Postdoctoral researcher in Human-Robot Teams

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher in human-robot teams for a fixed-term position at the School of Science and Technology.

Subject area
The subject area for this position is Computer Science.

Background
As more and more intelligent robots develop from a mere aid to a partner in mixed human-robot teams, new approaches to human-robot interaction are necessary. This is especially true for industrial scenarios – autonomous production, logistics, etc - in which efficiency and safety are a sine qua non. The focus of this position is about how to design interactions between humans and (multiple) robots and other autonomous agents from a human-centered perspective – taking into account aspects of human cognitive and physiological abilities.

The position is connected to two research projects integrating human drivers into coordinated fleets of autonomous vehicles. Hereby questions related to communication (how to inform a human driver about where to stop or what to watch out for?) and intention recognition (how to inform a multi-robot coordinator or a robotic teammate about what the human wants to do?) will be in the focus of research associated with this position. Your task hereby is to develop and follow a research agenda for the human perspective across those projects while working in a team with other researchers and industrial experts in robotics, AI and multi-agent systems. We expect an interest for the research questions associated with a human-centered approach to human-robot teamwork, but also relevant experiences that enable you to perform this research in a theoretically grounded way and to showcase it in industrially relevant settings.

This position is hosted at the Machine Perception and Interaction Lab at the Center for Applied Autonomous Sensors Systems (AASS) at Örebro University. Research at AASS – done by currently about 70 researchers – focuses on different direction within the overarching topic of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

AASS is located on the central campus of Örebro University where a wide range of robotic equipment and lab facilities is available. Örebro is one of the larger cities in the heart of Sweden. A world class orchestra located in Örebro, inspiring exhibitions like the biannual OpenArt festival, beautiful parks, recreation areas and stunning Tiveden national park nearby are just a few examples of what makes Örebro to a special place to live in Sweden.

Duties and responsibilities
The appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is intended to enable persons who have recently been awarded their doctoral degree to consolidate and develop their research and collaboration skills within a given context of projects funded by the Knowledge Foundation (KKS) and industry. While good research output is measured in publishing results in high-impact peer-reviewed venues, there is also some element of working towards demonstrators to show that approaches are applicable in industrially relevant use cases.

Qualifications
Those qualified for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher are applicants who at the time of appointment hold a doctoral degree. Applicants with doctoral degrees that have been awarded no more than 3 years prior to the application deadline are to be considered first. The position is for a term of at least 2 years initially but may be extended for a further 1 year. If the person during the period of employment has been on parental leave, the period of employment is to be extended by the corresponding number of days. The period of employment may also be extended in the event of absence due to illness.

Assessment criteria
The assessment of the candidates is based on previous research and publication records and the suitability of previous research to the topics outlined above. Also, demonstrated programming and deployment skills will be considered. A further basis for the assessment in addition to scientific merits is the applicant’s ability to disseminate information, communicate and engage in collaborations.

It is not necessary to be familiar with the Swedish language, but proficiency in written/spoken English is mandatory.

Information
This is a full-time position for a fixed term of two years. Extension for one additional year may be possible depending on the funding situation. The salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information about the scientific aspects of this position, contact Franziska Klügl, e-mail: franziska.klugl@oru.se. For other information regarding this position, please contact the Head of Division, Lars Karlsson, e-mail: lars.karlsson@oru.se.

At Örebro University, we expect each member of staff to be open to development and change; take responsibility for their work and performance; demonstrate a keen interest in collaboration and contribute to development; as well as to show respect for others by adopting a constructive and professional approach.

Örebro University actively pursues equal opportunities and gender equality as well as a work environment characterised by openness, trust and respect. We value the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

Application
For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:


• Cover letter motivating why you applied for this position
• CV detailing scientific and academic qualifications and experience, including names of two academic references who may be contacted if needed.
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates verifying eligibility and criteria met
• Relevant scientific publications (max. 5)

Only documents written in English, Swedish, Norwegian and Danish and received via Örebro University’s web-based recruitment system can be reviewed.

More information for applicants will be found on our career site: https://www.oru.se/english/career/available-positions/applicants-and-external-experts/

The application deadline is 2023-10-20. We look forward to receiving your application!

As we have already made our choices in terms of external collaboration partners and marketing efforts for this recruitment process, we decline any contact with recruitment agencies and advertisers.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), Örebro University is required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.