PhD and Postdoc Positions in Structured Robot Learning, Generative AI, and Robotics at TU Darmstadt (PEARL Lab) Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany

The PEARL Lab at the Technical University of Darmstadt is actively recruiting PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to join their team in advancing the algorithmic foundations of intelligent, human-centered robots. The research focuses on structured robot learning, generative AI for robotics, reinforcement learning, and the development of foundation models for real-world robot intelligence. The lab is involved in major funded initiatives, including an EU AI Lighthouse project and an ERC Starting Grant, ensuring strong financial support for successful candidates.

Research topics include interactive mobile manipulation, whole-body intelligence, structured planning, long-horizon decision making, multimodal perception, 3D representation learning, grounding foundation models in the physical world, efficient reinforcement learning with structure and priors, dexterous bimanual manipulation, and safe, trustworthy human–robot interaction. The lab seeks researchers eager to push the boundaries at the intersection of perception, action, learning, and reasoning, with the goal of developing holistic robotic embodied intelligence that can adapt and act in dynamic, real-world environments.

Applicants should have a strong background in computer science, robotics, engineering, or related fields, with experience in machine learning, reinforcement learning, or robotics. Application materials include a detailed CV, academic transcripts (for PhD applicants), a brief motivation letter, a research statement, and representative publications or project links. The positions are fully funded, but specific stipend amounts or tuition coverage details are not provided. No explicit deadline is mentioned, so early application is encouraged.

To apply, prepare the required documents and submit your application via the provided application link. For more information about the lab and open positions, visit the PEARL Lab website.