Research assistant Computational Intelligence group

About the project

At BIO-INSPIRED ROBOTIC LAB, we explore how groups of simple robots can collectively make decisions, exhibit leadership, and interact with humans in complex environments.

We use Thymio robots as well as Crazyflie as our main research platforms and aim to develop robust experimental setups. Combining robot hardware, software infrastructure, and a camera-based tracking system for real-time swarm experiments.

Your duties
As a Research Assistant (Master’s student), you will play a key role in setting up and conducting experiments in our swarm robotics testbed. Your work will combine technical development, experimental research, and scientific exploration. Main responsibilities:

• prepare and configure a swarm of Thymio robots for collective experiments (hardware and software setup)
• integrate the robots with the lab’s camera tracking system and data-collection infrastructure
• design and conduct experiments on topics such as:
  
  • collective decision-making in distributed systems,
  • emergent leadership and influence dynamics in robot groups, and
  • human–swarm interaction, exploring how humans can guide or collaborate with robotic swarms
• contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and research dissemination (e.g., papers or demonstrations)

• enrollment in a Master’s program in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field
• strong programming skills (Python, C/C++ is a plus)
• interest in experimental robotics and collective behavior
• ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
• previous experience with physical robots or vision-based tracking is a plus, but not required

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary with a maximum of € 3.141,-- gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Students Assistent. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
• a position for a maximum of 0,4 FTE. We are looking for a Research Assistant for the duration of 1 year - as long as you are registered as a student at a University in the Netherlands

In addition we offer:

• a stimulating and supportive research environment
• hands-on experience with real multi-robot systems and collective AI research
• access to modern lab facilities, including Thymio robots and tracking systems
• regular supervision and opportunities to co-author publications or present at workshops

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• a full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
• contribution to commuting expenses

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the excellence of our services? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application, including your CV and academic transcript.

If you have any questions, please contact:

y.khaluf@vu.nl with the subject line:
Application – MSc Research Assistant (Swarm Robotics)

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.