Assistant Professor in Machine Learning for Robotics

Would you like to be part of a vibrant and collaborative academic community contributing to innovations with real-world relevance? Join us in shaping the future of 'robotics' in the heart of the high-tech region of the Netherlands! The Robotics section of the Mechanical Engineering department at Eindhoven University of Technology is seeking a passionate and talented Assistant Professor to expand its team.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering

The department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research that closely aligns with the technological needs of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands. We are deeply embedded in the Brainport Eindhoven ecosystem, enabling our staff and students to contribute directly to the development of technological breakthroughs with real-world relevance. With a strong track record of successful spin-offs and active participation in numerous national and international research consortia we offer a dynamic environment where science meets application. By offering a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects, we aim to develop engineers who are both scientifically educated, and application driven. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

The Robotics Section

The Robotics (RBT) section of the department of Mechanical Engineering was established in 2024 by bringing together existing researchers within the department in the field of robotics. The section is a growing entity whose faculty members are a balanced mix of young and experienced researchers with an international profile and more than twenty year experience in the field of robotics. Currently, the Robotics section comprises ten full-time and three part-time Professors, and over thirty PhD candidates and postdocs.

The Robotics section research targets the fundamentals of autonomous and collaborative robotics in dynamic man-made environments and develops flexible, robust, and safe robots that can interact with people and other machines. Collaborative mobile and legged robots, surgical robots, and tactile and soft robotic manipulators are key examples of the robotics platforms the section design and employ. The domains of application include care and cure, construction, logistics, manufacturing, agrifood, services, and entertainment. Our shared robotics lab is equipped with state-of-the-art mobile robots, fixed-based manipulators, motion capture, and vision systems, supported by six technicians.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of robotics, there are clear potential ties with neighbouring sections such as the Control Systems Technology and Dynamics and Control section within the department of Mechanical Engineering. The position is embedded in the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAISI), with clear connections with the departments of Electrical Engineering (EE), Mathematics and Computer Science (M&CS), and Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences (IE&IS).

The Position

Research themes of the candidate

The vision within RBT is that enabling robot autonomy in the open world requires well-designed systems, made of separate function components, and employing different levels of abstraction. We are looking for a candidate who will strengthen our section in at least one of these research themes:

1. Perception

Research on processing and fusing sensor data with prior knowledge over time using one or more modalities (e.g., computer vision).

2. Prediction

Research on predictive models, also by means of online numerical simulation, that can be used for decision making and control.

3. Decision Making

Research on methods for planning and control, including imitation learning and reinforcement learning(SA7)(SA8) that enable robots to learn effective behaviors under uncertainty.

We encourage applicants with interest and experience in both model-based and machine-learning approaches, including deep learning.

Within the robotics section, we work on diverse applications including but not limited to:

• Robotics for manufacturing, inspection, maintenance, and recycling

• Robotics for healthcare

• Robotics for logistics, aviation and material handling

• Robotics for precision agriculture and agrifood systems

• Robotics for construction

In this role, you will contribute to the ambition of the Beethoven program to educate top talent and strengthen research across the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Responsibilities

• You will develop internationally leading research and make significant contributions to high-impact journals.

• You will be responsible for setting up and driving your own independent research program by writing research proposals to acquire public and private funding. You will also contribute to initiating and coordinating multidisciplinary research projects by diverse (external) funding sources.

• You will supervise and mentor BSc, MSc, EngD and PhD students during their final projects and internships. Your mentorship will empower the next generation of engineers.

• You will lead or contribute to the development of the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's and Master's teaching programs, and you will teach lectures/tutorials related to robotics at both levels. TU/e supports its junior scientific staff in developing their teaching skills through a training program that leads to the University Teaching Qualification, an official certification from Dutch Universities.

• You will contribute to the success of the research group, department, and associated institutes by initiating, participating or leading new internal and external collaborations.

Job Requirements

• PhD degree in robotics or related field (artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision).

• Proven experience in one of the above-mentioned research themes and application domains.

• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.

• Motivated and/or ability to teach, contribute to teaching processes, and develop excellent teaching skills.

• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

• Effective communication and leadership skills, including the ability to coach and mentor students and staff, lead projects or chair groups.

• Excellent proficiency in English, both written and verbal.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• A development track with the prospect of becoming an Associate Professor and the possibility of an immediate tenured appointment for candidates who present a demonstrably qualified profile and possess at least two years of relevant experience following their PhD.

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. For a junior Assistant Professor this is (scale 11) min. € 4.728,- max. € 6.433,- gross per month (on a full-time basis).

• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.

• A start-up package for the purpose of hiring a PhD student to kickstart your research.

• A dedicated mentoring program to help you get to know the university and the Dutch (research) environment.

• High-quality training programs for academic leadership and teaching.

• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care, and resources allocated for conference travel.

• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate, for you and, if applicable, your partner.

• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and partner career support.

• The possibility for part-time employment starting at 0.8 fte (min. 32 hours a week).

• The start date of this position is flexible and in agreement with the candidate.

Information and application

About us Our University

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact - today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Embedding of our Professors

The department of Mechanical Engineering is organized in eight large sections, each comprising approximately ten Assistant, Associate, or Full Professors. All are considered as Principal Investigator (PI) according to our ‘everybody Professor’ vision. Each PI has the academic freedom to define and develop their own research profile. At the same time, collaboration lies at the heart of our culture; PIs actively engage with one another both within and across the sections. Within each section PIs share responsibility for shaping and delivering part of the curriculum, as well as access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and dedicated technical support.

The PIs and support staff across the department meet regularly to exchange ideas and present latest developments in Education, Research and Innovation/Valorization. These events are highly valued by our scientific staff and contribute to the strong sense of community and team spirit that defines our department.

Our Culture

We foster a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We stimulate a team-oriented culture in which ideas are openly shared and interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. Challenges are met with a proactive, can-do attitude, and we prioritize mutual support and personal growth. Our commitment to wellbeing is reflected in initiatives such as intervision groups, a Wellbeing Signal Group, professional leadership programs, and an active mentoring system.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Questions regarding the scientific content can be directed to prof.dr.ir. René van de Molengraft via

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Josje van Oudenaarden, Senior Recruiter, via or .

Curious to hear more about what it is like as a professor at TU/e? Please watch the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application which should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.

• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

• A description of your scientific interests and plans (1-2 pages).

• A statement of your teaching goals and experience (1-2 pages).

We look forward to receiving your application at the latest May 10 23:59 CET, 2026.

The recruitment process will include the following sequential selection rounds:

• Online interviews with the selection committee on May 27 or May 28, 2026.

• Candidates’ day on our campus, including interviews and introduction program to get to know the group, the department and our university. This will take place on June 15 or June 16, 2026.

• Formal interview with a Recruitment Advisory Committee on our campus. We expect this to take place in September 2026.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We look forward to your application and potentially welcoming you to our university.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.

• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

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