Doctoral Candidate Researcher PhD student for the Project SWEET Social aWareness for sErvicE roboTs

pal robotics; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

An innovative opportunity awaits in sunny Barcelona for aspiring researchers passionate about robotics and social awareness. This role as a Doctoral Candidate offers a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking research within a dynamic, international team. You will explore the intersection of technology and human interaction, developing robots that understand and respond to social norms. With a supportive environment fostering personal and professional growth, this position promises not only to enhance your academic journey but also to immerse you in a vibrant culture. Join a forward-thinking initiative that values diversity and inclusion while shaping the future of robotics.

Servicios

Flexible hours

Shorter Fridays

26 holidays/year

Team events

Training opportunities

Free coffee & tea

Mobility allowance

Family allowance

Formación

• MSc or equivalent in AI, ML, or related field required.
• Expertise with ROS and machine learning frameworks is essential.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct cutting-edge research in social awareness for service robots.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and training activities.

Conocimientos

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

Programming (Python, C++)

Human-Robot Interaction

Social Psychology

User Experience (UX)

Interdisciplinary Teamwork

English Proficiency

Educación

Master's Degree in AI or related field

Herramientas

ROS Framework

PyTorch

Keras

Descripción del empleo

PAL Robotics invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate Researcher (PhD student) within the prestigious Marie Skodowska-Curie Industrial Doctoral Network on Social Awareness for Service Robots (SWEET) within the Horizon Europe Programme.

To ensure autonomous robots can adhere to social norms and avoid human rejection, they must be socially aware, reactive, proactive, and responsive to human emotions and intentions. Supported by the MSCA, the SWEET project trains researchers to develop robots capable of perceiving and interpreting social contexts. Doctoral Candidates (DCs) will engage in cutting-edge research through an integrated curriculum combining theory and real-world applications.

The consortium includes 10 beneficiaries (7 academic and 3 non-academic organizations) and 15 partner organizations, ensuring comprehensive training in scientific, technical, and personal development skills.

Each DC is required to spend 50% of their total research time (36 months) in a mandatory secondment visiting other partners/beneficiaries identified by the project, in accordance with MSCA DNID mobility requirements and training objectives, following a 1-2-6 schema where each DC will undertake two secondments lasting 1.5 years each.

More information and project details:

• MSc or equivalent in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related field with a focus on Intelligent Systems, Robotics, or Interactive Robots. Applicants who already possess a doctoral degree are not eligible.
• Expertise with the ROS framework.
• Demonstrable experience with at least one machine learning framework (e.g., PyTorch, Keras).
• Excellent programming skills (Python, C++, PyTorch).
• Excellent command of English, with good academic writing and presentation skills.
• Full-time employment as PhD students is offered for 3 years. The starting date is negotiable, ideally September 2025.
• Experience in human-robot interaction.
• Experience in social psychology and/or sociology.
• Experience in human factors/User Experience (UX).
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams.

Eligibility criteria:

• European and non-European students are invited to apply.
• Should have a master's degree in a relevant field or a comparable degree allowing them to pursue a PhD. Candidates with a doctoral degree are not eligible.
• Must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Short stays like holidays or national service are excluded.
• Must be willing to spend extended periods in other institutes or countries within the network during the PhD.
• Salary includes all insurance costs and taxes, scaled based on the country correction coefficient.

Documents to be sent:

• Application form (see website).
• Copy of passport.
• Full CV (including list of publications, if any).
• Short motivational video (max 3 minutes; include only a downloadable video link).
• A one-page letter describing previous research experience, current research interests, and how they align with the PhD topic.
• One or more reference letters with contact details of two referees.
• Transcripts and expected final grades for degrees obtained, with dates.
• Additional certificates (if any).

Only documents in English will be accepted.

Application deadline: 30 April 2025.

Incomplete applications or those not meeting eligibility criteria will not be considered.

Additional information:

• Gross monthly salary of approximately 3,250 euros, plus mobility allowance (600 euros) and family allowance (if applicable, 500 euros).
• High-level training, integrated research activities, scientific advice, personalized career development, and visa coverage.

What we offer:

• A dynamic, international, and inclusive work environment in sunny Barcelona.
• Flexible hours, shorter Fridays, 26 holidays/year, team events, and training opportunities.
• Free coffee & tea, and other employee benefits.

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recruiting and promoting regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, or other characteristics.