PhD fellowship in Human Centred Robotics

PhD fellowship in human centred computing, PhD Project in Human Centred Robotics, Department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen
The Human Centred Computing at KU invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in human centred robotics, part of our research around the real world use of robots. Start date is (expected to be) 1st October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
In recent years, advancements in robotics—driven by improvements in hardware, computer vision, and reasoning systems—have enabled the integration of robots into various social environments, such as self-driving cars, robot waiters, and cleaning robots. However, despite progress, robots still face significant challenges in reacting to and collaborating with humans in social contexts. Their ability to coordinate with human movements and actions remains underdeveloped, highlighting the need for new research directions to improve human-robot interaction (HRI). This PhD seeks to explore new approaches to designing and understanding social robots, drawing from human-computer interaction (HCI) and the social sciences.

By focusing on the emergent nature of robot interactions and employing qualitative and ethnographic methods, the overal goal is to foster a deeper understanding of how sociality is achieved between humans and robots. We will also critically assess the broader implications of robotics in society, particularly the ethical and economic considerations of automating labor in areas traditionally viewed as low-status. The goal of the PhD is to combine cutting-edge developments in technology, including machine learning and robot control, with an understanding of how these innovations might reshape robotic interaction.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of human centred computing. Applicants can have a background from Computer Science, or have conducted relevant projects in the social sciences, but need to have evidence of both a technology focus and an understanding of human computer interaction (or related fields). We are looking for researchers who combine both the ability to develop and configure prototype research systems, with the ability to design and study these prototypes.

Our group and research - and what do we offer?
The human centred computing section is one of Europe’s largest and most successful human computer interaction groups, focusing on topics such as digital fabrication, ethnography studies, technology & wellbeing, and extended and virtual reality. Our broad research focus is on using computing to support people’s activities and well-being; inventing new ways for people to interact with technology, and understanding how human capabilities are influenced by technology. We are a diverse and highly collaborative group of researchers that strives to provide a welcoming, supportive, and caring environment for all. Professor Brown leads the section. The group is a part of the department of Computer Science, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and an active and supportive research environment.

• Principal supervisor isProfessor Barry Brown, HCC Section, DIKU, barry@di.ku.dk , Phone 44119671.
• Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
• Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
• Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
• Publication list (if possible)
• Reference letters (if available)

The PhD programme
Depending of your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

Option A: A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5 3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Option B: An up to five year full-time study programme within the framework of the integrated MSc and PhD programme (the 3 5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree – but you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelors´s degree.

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Option A: Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. computing or social sciences. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the integrated MSc and PhD programme
If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor´s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of the integrated programme
To be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty’s master programmes in Computer Science.

Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme.

The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: www.science.ku.dk/phd, “Study Structures”.

Until the MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3 5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of 150 working hours per year.
A PhD grant portion is currently (2025) DKK 7.086 before tax.

When you have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

(ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in human computer interaction
• Good language skills

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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 22 May 2025, 23:59 GMT 1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor:

Principal supervisor isProfessor Barry Brown, HCC Section, DIKU, barry@di.ku.dk , Phone 44119671.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 22-05-2025

Ansættelsesdato: 01-10-2025

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Human-Centred Computing