Assistant Professor In Robotics of Physical Interaction

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community contributing to innovations with real-world relevance? Join us in shaping the future of 'robotics' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Robotics section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a passionate and talented Assistant Professor to expand its team.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering 

The department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research that closely aligns with the technological needs of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands. We are deeply embedded in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, enabling our staff and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with real-world relevance. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in numerous national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science meets application. By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who are both scientifically educated, and application driven. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges. 

The Robotics Section 

The Robotics (RBT) section of the department of Mechanical Engineering was established in 2024 by bringing together existing researchers within the department in the field of robotics. The section is a growing entity whose faculty members are a balanced mix of young and experienced researchers with an international profile and more than twenty year experience in the field of robotics. Currently, the Robotics section comprises nine full-time and three part-time Professors, and over thirty PhD candidates and postdocs.

The Robotics section research targets the fundamentals of autonomous and collaborative robotics in dynamic man-made environments and develops flexible, robust, and safe robots that can interact with people and other machines. Collaborative mobile and legged robots, surgical robots, and tactile and soft robotic manipulators are key examples of the robotics platforms the section design and employ. The domains of application include care and cure, construction, logistics, manufacturing, agrifood, services, and entertainment. Our shared robotics lab is equipped with state-of-the-art mobile robots, fixed-based manipulators, motion capture, and vision systems, supported by six technicians. 

Given the multidisciplinary nature of robotics, there are clear potential ties with neighbouring sections such as the Control Systems Technology and Dynamics and Control section within the department of Mechanical Engineering. The position is embedded  in the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAISI), with clear connections with the departments of Electrical Engineering (EE), Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS), and Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences (IE&IS).

The position 

Research Themes of the Candidate 

We are looking for a candidate who will strengthen our section in at least one of the following research themes:

1. Design of Robots for Human Environments:
   Development of actuators, sensors, and integrated systems tailored for physical interaction with the external world.
2. Robotic Simulation for Planning and Control:
   Utilization of simulations for online planning, learning, and control, employing techniques such as Quadratic Programming (QP), Model Predictive Control (MPC), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and Model Predictive Path Integral (MPPI).
3. Robot Learning:
   Implementation of learning algorithms for robotics, including reinforcement learning and imitation learning.
4. Visual and Tactile Perception Algorithms:
   Development of perception algorithms using monocular/stereo cameras, RGB(D) sensors, event cameras, and robotic skin to enhance visuotactile sensing.
5. Physical Human-Robot Interaction (pHRI):
   Facilitation of collaborative tasks through touch or physical contact, where robots assist humans in various sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency.
6. Cognitive Robotics:
   Enhancing robots' understanding of their environment and enabling them to reason and make autonomous decisions for effective task execution.
7. 3D Spatial Perception and Dynamic Manipulation:
   Advancement in spatial perception and manipulation techniques, utilizing platforms such as legged/multi-limbed robots, aerial loco-manipulation systems, as well as traditional wheeled platforms and fixed-base manipulators. 

Relevant application interest and expertise includes:

1. Robotics for manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, and recycling
2. Robotics for healthcare
3. Robotics for logistics and material handling
4. Robotics for precision agriculture and agrifood systems
5. Robotics for construction

Responsibilities 

• You will develop internationally leading research, and make significant contributions to high-impact journals.  
• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and private funding. You will also contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.  
• You will lead or contribute to the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach lectures/tutorials at both levels. TU/e supports its junior scientific staff in developing their teaching skills through a training program that leads to the University Teaching Qualification, an official certification from Dutch Universities.  
• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and PhD students during their final projects and internships. Your mentorship will empower the next generation of engineers. 
• You will contribute to the success of the research group, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations. 

Job Requirements  

• PhD degree in robotics or related field (control, machine learning, computer vision).
• Proven experience in one of the above-mentioned research themes and application domains.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs. 
• Motivated and/or ability to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills. 
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team. 
• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to coach and mentor students and staff, lead projects or chair groups. 
• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and verbal.  

Conditions of Employment  

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• A development track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor and the possibility of an immediate tenured position. 
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4.537,- max. € 6.209,- gross per month (on a full-time basis).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• A start-up package for the purpose of hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research. 
• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment. 
• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care, sports facilities and extensive resources allocated for conference travel. 
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.  
• The possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte (min. 32 hours a week). 
• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate. 

Information and application  

About us 

Our University 

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Embedding of our Professors 

The department of Mechanical Engineering is organized in eight large sections, each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. All are considered as Principal Investigator (PI) according to our ‘everybody Professor’ vision. Each PI has the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of our culture; PIs actively engage with one another both within and across the sections. Within each section PIs share responsibility for shaping and delivering part of the curriculum, as well as access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and dedicated technical support.  

The PIs and support staff across the department meet regularly to exchange ideas and present latest developments in Education, Research and Innovation/Valorization. These events are highly valued by our scientific staff and contribute to the strong sense of community and team spirit that defines our department. 

Our Culture 

We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture in which ideas are openly shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Challenges are met with a proactive, can-do attitude, and we prioritize mutual support and personal growth. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in initiatives such as intervision groups, a Wellbeing Signal Group, professional leadership programs, and an active mentoring system.  

Information  

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Questions regarding the scientific content can be directed to prof.dr.ir. René van de Molengraft via m.j.g.v.d.molengraft@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via j.e.v.oudenaarden@tue.nl or +31 643559575. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. 

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video. 

Application 

We invite you to submit a complete application which should include:  

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. 
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. 
• A description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages). 
• A statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

We look forward to receiving your application before August 16, 2025. 

The recruitment process will include the following sequential selection rounds: 

• Online interviews with the selection committee. 
• Candidates’ day on our campus, including interviews and introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university. 
• Formal interview with the Recruitment Advisory Committee. We expect this to take place in December 2025/January 2026. 

We look forward to your application and potentially welcoming you to our university.