Postdoctoral researcher in Human-Robot Interaction
1 position
Gothenburg, Sweden
9 Oct 2026
2 years (possibility of 1-year extension)
Fully funded
Overview
- Institution
- Chalmers University of Technology
- Department
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- Location
- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Openings
- 1 position
- Field
- Computer Science
- Research area
- Human-Robot Interaction; robot communication
- Deadline
- 9 October 2026
- Start date
- 1 November 2026
- Duration
- 2 years (possibility of 1-year extension)
- Contract
- Temporary full-time employment
- Supervisor
- Ilaria Torre
About this position
Join research at the forefront of robotics innovation on how robots can communicate more clearly with people.
Reference number: REF 2026-0432.
About us
Department of Computer Science and Engineering (Chalmers / University of Gothenburg), Division of Interaction Design and Software Engineering. The HRI group currently comprises 5 PhD students, 2 research assistants, and several robots.
About the research project
Develop a novel, universal framework for robot communication that is platform-independent and context-adaptive. Combines theory-driven research with empirical investigation, including real-world data collection and controlled user studies, alongside new theoretical models—working with experts in Linguistics and HRI. Flexibility also for independent research relevant to the group.
What you will do
- Collaborate on existing projects and lead your own research
- Mentor PhD students; participate in group meetings
- Opportunity to supervise thesis work and take academic development courses
- Possibility to engage with teaching
Contract terms
Temporary full-time employment for two years with possibility of one-year extension. Start date November 1st, or as soon as possible thereafter. Physical presence required; valid residence permit by start date.
Application procedure
English PDFs: CV with publications and teaching; personal letter stating why you are interested and why your profile fits (generic letters will be discarded). Apply via the official Chalmers vacancy page.
Deadline: 9th October 2026.
Contact
Ilaria Torre, Assistant Professor, ilariat@chalmers.se.
Requirements
Mandatory
- Doctoral degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in HRI, HCI, Cognitive Science, Robotics, Psychology, or related discipline (met no later than employment decision)
- Strong written and verbal English
- Experience in Human-Robot Interaction (e.g. publications, coursework, or conference participation)
- Interest in human-robot communication (e.g. existing publications on the topic)
- Ability to work independently and in a team; willingness to mentor junior group members
Strengthening
- Qualitative data analysis, user studies, and/or meta-reviews
- Interdisciplinary environments; student supervision; research “in the wild”