PhD Position in Robotics

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for a PhD position in Robotics, at the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA USI-SUPSI) within the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), located in Lugano. The degree of employment is 100%, with a contract starting on October 1, 2026, or on a mutually agreed date.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct cutting-edge research in embodied AI, multimodal perception, and human behavior understanding for mobile robots (e.g. humanoids).
• Develop machine learning and sensor fusion algorithms for robust multimodal people detection, tracking, and localization using multimodality, e.g., using information coming from RGB-D, Time-of-Flight, audio, and proprioceptive sensing.
• Design and implement methods for human behavior modeling and intention-to-interact prediction in dynamic human-robot interaction scenarios.
• Integrate perception and behavior understanding modules into a ROS2-based robotic software architecture and validate them on real robotic platforms.
• Design and conduct experimental evaluations in laboratory and real-world environments, including data collection, benchmarking, and performance analysis.
• Publish research findings in leading international conferences and journals, and present results at scientific meetings.
• Collaborate with researchers and industrial partners and contribute to project deliverables.

Requirements

Technical background and skills

• Master's degree in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong programming skills in Python; experience with C++ is an advantage.
• Solid background in machine learning, computer vision, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow) and scientific software development.
• Good analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.

Soft skills

• Strong motivation for research and innovation in AI and robotics.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary and international research teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Strong organizational skills, curiosity, and willingness to learn new technologies and research methodologies.

Desirable but not strictly required

• Experience with ROS2 or robotic software development; experience with Linux-based systems and version control systems (e.g. Git)
• Knowledge of one or more of the following areas: sensor fusion, human-robot interaction, multi-object tracking, deep learning.
• Previous research experience demonstrated through publications, open-source contributions, or participation in research projects.

What SUPSI Offers

• Fixed-term contract.
• Fully funded PhD.
• Interdisciplinary and international working environment.
• Collaboration with academic and research partners.
• Salary in line with Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) standards.
• Participation in conferences, workshops, and scientific activities.
• Opportunity to develop professional and scientific skills.

Application Process

Applications will only be considered if submitted electronically by 06.09.2026, through the dedicated application form. The following documents, written in English, must be included:

• Motivation letter (1–2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications (if available) and a link to the Master’s thesis.
• Copies of academic transcripts with grades from Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
• List of three referees (with email addresses).

For further information, please contact Dr. Antonio Paolillo. Incomplete applications, those submitted to incorrect addresses, or those received after the deadline will not be considered. In addition to the required application documents, further documentation (such as a criminal record certificate or a copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later stage.