PhD student (Doctoral Researcher) in Multi-Modal Shared Autonomy in Assistive Robotics F/M

A fully funded 4-year PhD position at Idiap Research Institute in Martigny, Switzerland, focusing on multimodal shared autonomy in assistive robotics for people with disabilities.

This doctoral researcher role, embedded within the Human-centered Robotics and AI group, aims to advance accessible human-robot interaction. The project, supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to control robotic systems for daily activities through collaborative research with the Perception & Activity Understanding group.

Responsibilities

• Explore new methods for multimodal shared autonomy and accessible human-robot interaction.
• Define research questions and create experiments to study accessible interaction.
• Co-design and test assistive robotic tools with users who have disabilities, using participatory design approaches.
• Build and test software on various robotic platforms, such as the Lio mobile manipulator and the Stretch robot, in both lab and real-world environments.
• Collaborate with the Perception & Activity Understanding group to incorporate advanced perception techniques into shared-autonomy systems.
• Share scientific findings through publications and presentations at top international conferences and journals.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related discipline.
• Strong technical background and eagerness to develop expertise in robotics and AI.
• Previous hands-on experience with robotic platforms.
• Passion for human-centered technologies, accessibility, and practical impact.
• Readiness to cross disciplinary boundaries to address complex interdisciplinary challenges.
• Strong communication and scientific writing abilities.
• Drive to thrive in an international research setting and connect research with real-world needs.

Nice to have

• Experience in conducting user studies and analyzing human-centered data.
• Proficiency in French.
• Prior acceptance into the EDEE, EDIC, or EDRS doctoral programs at EPFL.

What the company offers

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position.
• Competitive salaries and working conditions.
• A dynamic, multicultural work environment.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and interdisciplinary impact.

About the company

Idiap Research Institute is a nationally significant research center dedicated to fundamental research, education, and technology transfer in artificial intelligence. Located in Martigny, Valais, in the scenic southern region of Switzerland, the institute benefits from a high quality of life, surrounded by Europe's highest mountains and offering numerous recreational and cultural activities.

• Focus on fundamental research, education, and technology transfer in AI.
• Located in a scenic region with exceptional quality of life.
• Surrounded by Europe's highest mountains, offering hiking, climbing, skiing, and cultural activities.