Alessandro Saccon

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on advancing bimanual robotic manipulation in open-world environments. The project aims to develop next-generation manipulators capable of performing complex pick-and-place and handling tasks, with applications spanning manufacturing, logistics, aviation, and construction. The research will leverage the latest advances in machine learning, robot dynamics, robot control, advanced programming, and experimental validation to generate robust, contact-rich strategies for bimanual manipulation tasks in man-made environments, such as handling parcels, bags, and clothes. Key objectives include developing vision-action models for adaptive manipulation in cluttered settings, collecting and sharing experimental data according to FAIR principles, validating physics engines (e.g., Isaac Sim, MuJoCo, Algoryx Dynamics) against real experiments, and proposing control strategies that exploit natural robot-environment contact dynamics. Experimental work will be conducted on various robotic platforms available in the lab, with progress assessed against the state of the art and results showcased to research and industrial networks. The position is embedded in the Robotics section within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, with close connections to the Dynamics and Control and Control Systems Technology sections, as well as research groups in Mathematics and Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. This interdisciplinary environment provides expertise in machine learning, computer vision, knowledge representation, and robot control, supporting the project's ambitious goals. Applicants should have a master’s degree in a relevant field (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control engineering, computer science, or related disciplines), background knowledge in robot dynamics, machine learning, and control theory, and demonstrated programming skills in Python and C/C++. Experience with machine learning frameworks and physical experiments on machines or robot manipulators is required. Candidates should be motivated to develop teaching skills and mentor junior students, possess a research-oriented mindset, and be proficient in spoken and written English (C1 level or higher). The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (€3,059–€3,881/month), plus a year-end bonus (8.3%) and annual vacation pay (8%). Additional benefits include a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities, unlimited access to the TU/e Student Sports Center, commuting and home working allowances, and a tax compensation scheme (30% facility) for international candidates. Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university located in Brainport Eindhoven, a world-leading tech region with over 7,000 high-tech companies. The Department of Mechanical Engineering conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, focusing on producing scientifically educated and application-driven engineers. For further information about the scientific content of the position, contact Associate Professor Alessandro Saccon ([email protected]). For HR-related questions, contact HR advice ([email protected]). Applications must be submitted online via the provided link and should include a cover letter, CV with publications and references, MSc thesis report, description of past research projects, and recent English language test results if applicable. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with priority given to complete applications.