Post-Doc Lead: Physical AI & Human-Centered Robotics

0002024129; Elsene; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Homeworking options

Telework allowance €50 per month

Internet fee €20 per month

35 days of leave

Hospitalisation insurance

Commute reimbursement

Campus meals

Benefits@Work discounts

Nursery near campus

Career development and training

Great colleagues

Job summary

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) seeks a Senior Researcher (Post-Doc) to lead cutting-edge research in Physical AI and human-centered robotics. This 100% project-funded position includes a 10% assistant professorship at VUB, with collaboration opportunities at imec.

The role focuses on usability, trust, ethics, and societal impact, guiding PhD students and shaping SMIT's research agenda within European AI and robotics ecosystems.

Qualifications

• PhD in Economics / Business Administration, Engineering, Robotics, CS, or HCI.
• 5–10 years of relevant academic or research experience with publications.
• Strong quantitative and data-driven research methodologies.
• Experience with EU-funded research projects (FP7, H2020, Horizon Europe).

Responsibilities

• Design and lead original, internationally competitive research in Physical AI and human-centered robotics using rigorous quantitative methods.
• Publish in high-impact international journals and present at leading conferences.
• Contribute to and lead applications for EU-funded research projects (ERC, Horizon Europe, EIC, etc.).
• Supervise PhD students and junior researchers within SMIT; build your own team; teach and co-teach courses as part of the 10% professorship at VUB (in English).
• Collaborate with imec and within SMIT/VUB network; engage with industry partners, policymakers, and civil society on Physical AI topics.
• Contribute to SMIT's research agenda and European research landscape; represent VUB and SMIT at international events.

Skills

Quantitative data-driven methods

International collaborations

EU-funded project experience

English academic writing

Willingness to relocate to Brussels

Education

PhD in Economics / Business Administration / Engineering / Robotics / Computer Science / Human-Computer Interaction

Job description

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) seeks a Senior Researcher (Post-Doc) to lead cutting-edge research in Physical AI and human-centered robotics. This 100% project-funded position includes a 10% assistant professorship at VUB, with collaboration opportunities at imec.

The role focuses on usability, trust, ethics, and societal impact, guiding PhD students and shaping SMIT's research agenda within European AI and robotics ecosystems.