Funded PhD in Human-Robot Interaction and Gestural Entrainment at Technological University Dublin Technological University Dublin in Ireland

Technological University Dublin is recruiting a funded PhD for Autumn 2026 in Human-Robot Interaction, with a project focused on non-verbal communication strategies and gestural entrainment. The research examines how temporal and magnitude alignment in gesture between humans and robots affects rapport, perceived empathy, social presence, and the uncanny valley. The project is hosted by Technological University Dublin and linked to a new national PhD training programme in Data Science & AI.

The studentship is described as full-time funded and includes a stipend of €25,000 per year for four years (tax free). Additional funds are available for conference attendance and training activities. EU fees are covered, and non-EU students receive a fee waiver. The programme also offers cohort-based training, transferable skills development, domain-specific methods training, industry/public service engagement, and enrichment opportunities such as placements or research visits.

Applicants should be interested in PhD research in human-robot interaction, social robotics, AI, and related methods such as motion tracking, statistics, programming, and qualitative/digital policy methods. The post says candidates can be based virtually anywhere. Interested applicants should first contact Robert Ross with a CV, then submit the formal application through the linked process, mentioning that they have spoken with him and that TU Dublin is the target institution.

Deadline: 2026-06-14. Interviews are provisionally scheduled for June, with decisions soon after.