Postdoctoral Researcher in Human Interaction with Humanoid Unitree G1

Description:

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diversity of high-quality educational programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it is here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close by. Our integrated campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, something that fosters a dynamic and open culture. The Department of Computing Science is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the project "Human Interaction with the Humanoid Unitree G1" within WASP, led by Lecturer Zoe Falomir. The position is full-time for two years with a planned start in autumn 2026, or by agreement. The Department of Computing Science at Umeå University is an international environment for research and education within a broad spectrum of the computing science field. Read more at the Department of Computing Science. Project Description and Work Tasks This project proposes the implementation of a cognitive agent in a humanoid robot that collaborates with a human partner to solve a spatial problem (e.g. 3D puzzle). Tasks: The following shall be performed: (i) scene understanding: detection of objects and relationships between objects, and use of these relationships to draw conclusions about new knowledge (i.e. reasoning); (ii) explore the affordances of objects, learn the consequences of performed actions and enrich the knowledge base (i.e. learning through interaction); (iii) use previous experiences to predict actions that may be useful in the present, test them and update the knowledge base (i.e. learning updates). Also writing scientific papers and communicating our research progress at conferences. Methods: Programming of a humanoid platform using ROS2 packages, using SLAM, using imitation learning algorithms to learn pick-and-place tasks, designing HRI experiments with users, evaluating data and sharing code and benchmarks in open repositories. This postdoctoral position is funded by Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP). WASP is Sweden's largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and recruitment of teachers. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/ Qualifications To be employed under an agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree is required. This eligibility requirement must be met by the time of the employment decision. To be employed under the postdoctoral agreement, primarily those who have obtained a degree according to the previous paragraph within the last three years should be considered. If there are special reasons, those who obtained a doctorate earlier may be considered. By special reasons is meant leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade union organizations, service within total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area. Mandatory Qualifications The applicant must have documented expertise in the following areas: Doctoral degree in a relevant field, with experience in robotics, particularly programming of humanoid platforms Engineering degree in an area related to: mechanics Automatic control Mechatronics Robotics Artificial intelligence Documented research experience in robot control and more generally complex systems Very good programming skills (e.g. C/C++, Python, ROS) Good skills in numerical analysis Advanced knowledge of computer vision Experience of human-robot interaction Particularly Meritorious It is particularly meritorious if the applicant has: Doctoral degree with a focus on humanoid platforms Other Meritorious Qualifications It is also meritorious if the applicant has: Publications in well-renowned conferences such as ICRA, IROS or HRI (or equivalent) Practical experience with humanoid platforms Knowledge in cognitive robotics and cognitive architectures Personal Qualities Important personal qualities are: Very good ability to communicate scientifically in speech and writing in English Good collaboration skills, including the ability to communicate and work effectively with others and participate in interdisciplinary projects High degree of independence, good problem-solving ability and ability for critical and creative thinking The working language in the group (and at the department) will be English. Application A complete application should contain: Cover letter describing your research interests, project ideas and contact information. Curriculum vitae (CV) with list of publications including DOI links Confirmed copy of doctorate certificate or documentation clarifying when the doctorate is expected to be obtained Verified copies of other degree certificates, list of completed academic courses and grades Copy of doctoral thesis and up to 5 relevant articles Other documents the applicant wishes to submit. Contact information for two people willing to serve as references. The application should be written in English or Swedish. Applications are made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the bottom of this page. The application deadline is September 4, 2026. For questions, contact Zoe Falomir at [email protected] Umeå University wishes to offer an equal and equitable environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives forms the basis for learning, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest institutions of higher education with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a diversity of high-quality educational programs and world-leading research in several scientific fields, and it is here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close by. Our integrated campus makes it easy to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge, something that fosters a dynamic and open culture. The Department…

Overview

Type

job

Status

active

Visibility

public

City

Umeå

Address

Umeå universitet

GPS

63.7970413, 20.2816791copyopen in

Email

Show email

Phone

Show phone

Published

22. 6. 2026

Edited

30. 7. 2026

Specifications