PhD Position Causal Representations for Open-Ended Embodied Social Intelligence

Design generative causal models of social dynamics for embodied agents. Enable open-ended learning in multiparty human-agent interactions for continual agent evolution.

Job description

Are you passionate about developing intelligent agents that can continuously evolve through social interactions? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research on generative causal models that enable adaptive collaboration in dynamic environments?

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working on causal representations for open-ended, embodied social intelligence. This project aims to develop a groundbreaking generative framework that enables agents to continuously evolve through social interactions in unconstrained, multiparty environments.

Current AI systems struggle to gain new knowledge in dynamic environments and to reason about human behavior in unconstrained settings. We believe that embodied agents collaborating with humans require not only representations of the physical world but also rich causal models of their interaction partners. Your research will focus on identifying the causal factors that guide human behaviors and environmental changes, allowing agents to continually adapt through open-ended learning.

You will be embedded within the larger Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics Group at TU Delft, comprising sub-groups in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and Human-Oriented Machine Intelligence. You will be advised by Dr. Chirag Raman (Tapri Lab, TU Delft), Dr. Jan-Willem van de Meent (AMLab, UvA), and Dr. Frans Oliehoek (Sequential Decision Making Group, TU Delft).

This project is part of a larger research effort within the Hybrid Intelligence Center, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers across multiple universities and disciplines. The project specifically connects to the Robotic Surgery case study, involving close collaboration with Dr. Dalibor Vasilic at ErasmusMC.

Job requirements

We are looking for a candidate with:

• An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field
• Strong background in machine learning, particularly in generative latent variable modeling and/or (multi-agent) reinforcement learning.
• Solid programming skills in Python, experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Jax).
• Comfort with 3D mathematics and spatial reasoning concepts.
• Good engineering skills for implementing and evaluating algorithms in real-world settings; familiarity with simulation environments (e.g. Isaac Sim) is a plus.
• Experience with robotics platforms is a plus but not required.
• Experience with conducting user studies is beneficial but can be developed during the PhD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 or equivalent).
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

We aim to create hybrid intelligence for everyone, see also our Diversity Statement. To do this, we need an inclusive and diverse team of researchers. We especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply for this job.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Chirag Raman, via C.A.Raman@tudelft.nl.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Marunka van Stight, M.vanStight@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 8 June 2025 upload the following documents:

An up-to-date curriculum vitae, degree transcripts, a statement of purpose, and the names and the contact information (telephone number and email address) of two referees. The statement of purpose should include (1) why the applicant wants to do a PhD and why a PhD is relevant for their career, (2) why the project is of interest to the applicant, (3) a PhD proposal aligned with the proposed topic (4) evidence of skillsets aligned with the position. Please include links to any relevant projects / your Github profile.

You can address your application to Chirag Raman.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

The screening of candidates will be screened as the applications arive and will be shortlisted and contacted before the closing date of the vacancy. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and before June 9 2025.

Note that this job opening is one of several job openings on the HI page with job openings. You can apply to more than just this one. If you do so, please inform the Hybrid Intelligence Centre’s [Project Manager via email](sendto:projectmanager.at.HI@gmail.com) of the projects you are applying to.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.