Postdoc in Robot Learning for Manipulation

Job description

The postdoctoral researcher will work on robot learning for manipulation, exploring state-of-the-art Vision–Language–Action (VLA) models for tabletop, mobile, or dexterous manipulation. A key focus is leveraging whole-body motion and/or dexterous, multi-fingered hands to improve perception and control, enabling robots to solve complex, contact-rich tasks that require coordinated base, arm, and hand behaviors in dynamic environments. We seek candidates with a strong background in robotics and machine learning, and demonstrated experience in at least two of the following areas: deep learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning, robot perception, navigation, grasping, and dexterous or mobile manipulation. Experience in any of the following is especially valued: whole-body control, humanoid or multi-DOF platforms, multi-fingered hands, tactile sensing, or learning-based manipulation in simulation and/or on real systems.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research expertise in machine learning/robotics.
• Documented strong programming skills.
• The candidate should have an outstanding research and publication list.
• You have well developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The candidate should have very good knowledge of the English language, such as written and oral skills since communication is essential of this role.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• You have good pedagogical ability.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality.
• You are independent in your work and have no problem collaborating with others.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to   trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

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Type of employment

Temporary position

Contract type

Full time

Full-time equivalent

100 %

First day of employment

According to agreement

Salary

Monthly salary

Number of positions

2

Location

Stockholm

County

Stockholms län

Country

Sweden

Reference number

PA-2026-3257

Published

28.Sep.2026

Last application date

01.Nov.2026

Contact

Danica Kragic Jensfelt

dani@kth.se