PhD Positions in End-to-End AI for Robotics at Eindhoven University of Technology

Two PhD positions are available at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, focusing on End-to-End AI for Robotics. The research will be conducted within the Mobile Perception Systems (MPS) laboratory of the Signal Processing Systems group in the Department of Electrical Engineering. The positions are supervised by Gijs Dubbelman (Associate Professor and Head of MPS Lab), Daan de Geus (Assistant Professor), and Imran Sarwar (Professor of Computer Science, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur), in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors and TNO. The research aims to develop innovative AI architectures and training techniques for mobile autonomous robotics, specifically investigating Vision Language Models (VLMs), Multi-modal Large Language Models (MLLMs), and Vision Language Action models (VLAs). The goal is to enable robots to autonomously navigate and interact with open-world environments, achieving advanced spatial scene understanding and reasoning with minimal human input. The project is part of the NWO Perspectief FIND program, which brings together universities, companies, and knowledge institutes to develop foundation models for the Dutch high-tech industry, emphasizing edge deployment, privacy, and timely decision-making. Applicants should have a master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field, with a high-quality MSc thesis (preferably published or publishable at top-tier venues). Required skills include knowledge of advanced AI architectures (such as transformers), strong machine learning background, experience with deep learning frameworks like PyTorch, and fluency in English (C1 level or higher). The ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and motivation to develop teaching skills are also important. The positions offer full-time employment for four years, with a salary range of €3,059 to €3,881 per month, plus benefits such as a year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, parental leave, training programs, and support for international candidates. The university provides a collaborative and international research environment with excellent facilities. The application deadline is March 4, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online by submitting a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications submitted through the official portal will be considered.