Last application date Aug 31, 2025 00:00
Department TW06 - Department of Electronics and Information Systems
Contract Limited duration
Degree You hold a Master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, (technical) cognitive science, Human-Computer Interaction or areas relevant to the research topic (for example, computational linguistics with a keen interest in robotics and AI).
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
Job description
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AIRO) group of IDLab is are looking for a m/f/x doctoral student to support the social robotics research
YOUR JOB
- You will join the research team working on Human-Robot Interaction, to build and study the AI powering social robots. These robots interact with people in a natural manner by, for example, using speech, gestures, facial expressions and language. By using natural communication, these robots are easier to interact with and have many applications in entertainment, services, education, collaborative robotics and therapy
- You will work on the technical aspects of social robots, including LLM, VLM and embodied AI, with specific applications to collaborative interaction with people.
- You will be supervised by Prof. Tony Belpaeme (www.tonybelpaeme.me) and will be part of a vibrant and interdisciplinary research team, focusing on human-robot interaction, unconventional robotics, cognitive systems and machine learning. You will have access to the full facilities of IDLab, including high-performance computing/GPU clusters and the robot labs.
- You will work towards a PhD degree. Engaging with scientific and technical research at PhD level, publishing and engaging with colleagues, both nationally and internationally.
Job profile
- You hold a Master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, (technical) cognitive science, Human-Computer Interaction or areas relevant to the research topic (for example, computational linguistics with a keen interest in robotics and AI).
- Good programming skills are essential (Python, C++ or other) as you will programming robots and state-of-the-art AI systems. We also require good analytical skills, as we expect you to be both a scientist and an engineer.
- Good to excellent English language skills (spoken as well as written).
- As the PhD position is highly interdisciplinary, an interest in cognitive science, psychology or other themes related to social robotics and AI is commendable.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on 01/10/2025 at the earliest.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits
How to apply
For informal queries, do not hesitate to contact Tony Belpaeme ([email protected]).
Your application should include
- A letter motivating your application. Why do you wish to pursue a PhD in this area? How does your expertise match the research? What is your -if any- prior experience?
- A full curriculum vitae, please include links to any theses or publications (if any). If appropriate, copies of relevant degrees or grades.
- The names and contact details of at least 2 referees. Recommendation letters can be included with your application, but are not needed at the time of application.
Applicants should send their application to [email protected] with subject “PhD application social robotics and AI 2025”. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis, the application deadline however is 31 August 2025. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, which can be online if necessary.
