The Interactive Intelligence Group at TU Delft invites applications for an assistant/associate professor position in (Social) Robotics. The position is aimed at a researcher with a PhD degree working on Human-Robot Interaction with a strong component on Human-Robot experiments. As a group we focus on different aspects pertaining to human-agent interaction such as reasoning, machine learning, cognitive architectures, spoken dialog systems and decision support systems. We are looking for a candidate who is interested in approaching these issues from a human-robot interaction perspective and focus on the physical (as opposed to only virtual) embodiment of a robot. A clear vision on how robots can shape our future society as pertaining to, for example, collaborative work and health-care are clear plus points.

It is expected that the candidate has proven experience in robotics research with publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in the area, e.g. HRI, IROS, IJRR.

Besides doing that research your work would consist of teaching BSc and/or MSc courses in HRI, and/or computer science and artificial intelligence, advising graduate students working on topics related to your research, co-leading the team of programmers that maintain and develop the software running the robots of the group, acquiring research funding and contributing to the management of the faculty and educational programmes.

Department
The department of Intelligent Systems (INSY) conceptualizes computer science methodologies to sense, abstract, learn, reason, elicitate and adapt data and their meaning in ways that respect human values in order to increase human effectiveness in well-being and social innovation. At the heart of the department is therefore the research and teaching in computer science theory, algorithms and solutions for information processing systems that support humans (e.g. robotics), new products (e.g. internet services), and science (e.g. biology)

The Interactive Intelligence group focuses on interaction of users with intelligent systems. In particular we have a strong track record on the development of smart interactive agents.  Such agents possess capabilities including learning, reasoning, social skills, emotions, and norms and can interact with humans. These agents typically function as coach, artificial actor, or companion, and are used in a wide variety of applications including therapy, health and entertainment.

We welcome applicants that have a PhD in Social Robotics, Artificial Intelligence or related fields, are active researchers with a multidisciplinary mindset, and are enthusiastic team players. They have experience in human-robot experiments and a strong technical background. Having experience in university level teaching and applying for research funding would be appreciated.

Fixed-term contract: 6 years.

For candidates at the Assistant Professor level we offer an initial temporary position with the prospect of a permanent position. The duration of the temporary position is depending on (academic) experience. At the start of your employment, section leader, department leader and you will agree upon expected performance and (soft) skills as part of a development plan. You will receive formal feedback on performance and skills during annual assessment meetings and during a formal evaluation after a maximum of 2.5 years. If the performance and skills are evaluated positively during this formal evaluation, you will be employed in a permanent Assistant Professor position.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. If you have less than five years of experience and do not yet have your teaching certificate, we allow you up to three years to obtain this.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.