PhD student position in Human-Robot Interaction

The PhD project will be focused on developing and evaluating communicative methods for Human-Robot Interaction, both for (i) intentional interaction, i.e. situations where humans and robots need to actively work together to carry out a task, and (ii) unintentional interaction, i.e. when humans and robots need to safely and comfortably co-exist in the same space. The goal is to develop verbal or nonverbal communication methods for robots and evaluate them in different contexts, such as collaborative scenarios and public spaces. The specific PhD research topic will be adapted to the candidates’ research plan, profile, and interests.

Information about the project
The project will be supervised by Ilaria Torre within the Interaction Design and Software Engineering Division at Chalmers.

Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) is a growing and exciting field at the intersection of Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, Social Sciences, Linguistics, Design, and other disciplines. It deals both with foundational questions that help us understand how people work (e.g. are people's mental models of robots similar in any way to people's mental models of other people) and with practical applications (e.g. developing and testing robotic applications that have to interact with humans). One core challenge in HRI is making sure that robots and humans communicate with each other efficiently. This communication includes both natural language, and nonverbal signals, such as sounds, gestures, gaze, etc.

Major responsibilities
A PhD position in Sweden is a full-time employment with a competitive monthly salary and full social benefits (e.g., parental leave and compensation for sick leave). The position is limited to a maximum of five years of full-time study (assuming 20% teaching and other departmental duties spread over the 5 year period). There are no tuition fees for PhD studies at Chalmers.



Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction) by the starting date. Experience in related areas, such as Human-Robot Interaction, Speech Processing, Sound Design, is advantageous.

Interest in quantitative methods, working with users, and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary setting are required. Excellent communication skills in English, both spoken and written, are required. If you are not familiar with Swedish, you are encouraged, but not required, to learn it during your employment. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230409 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: [2023-08-18]



For questions, please contact:
Dr. Ilaria Torre, Interaction Design and Software Engineering,
ilariat@chalmers.se, 0705109576

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!