Research assistant in Modelling Human-Robot Interaction

Are you interested in understanding how humans interact with robots? We are seeking a motivated student research assistant to join a project on human-robot interaction.

About us

The https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/cse/, a joint department of Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, spans the breadth of computing disciplines. Our internationally visible research, strong industry links and diverse environment create a collaborative setting where ideas grow into real impact.

At the https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/cse/our-research/interaction-design-and-software-engineering/, we design smarter ways to engineer better software, and explore how people engage with digital systems, combining global research perspectives with strong collaboration with industry.

Job description

This project focuses on studying how people interact with robots, such as humanoids and drones, investigating both social and non-social behaviors. We aim to explore non-verbal behaviors like human-robot proxemics (interpersonal distance), examining how these behaviors change depending on the robot’s design, and how to model these human-robot behaviors. By studying these interactions, we hope to uncover important insights into how people perceive and respond to robots.

When working on a research project, you will help and support researchers with practical elements of their work. You could assist in the development of human-robot interaction programs (e.g., Python, C++, and Java), support the execution of user studies, collect data, and document research. You will have regular contact with the researcher regarding which elements and practical tasks you can assist with.

This position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both the technical and experimental aspects of human-robot interaction. You will work closely with researchers who will mentor and guide you throughout the project. Depending on the results, you may also contribute to conference publications and other research outputs.

Key responsibilities can include:

• Setting up and conducting human-robot interaction experiments.
• Programming robots for various applications using Python, C++, and Java.
• Analysing user study data and supporting technical development for robot interactions.
• Assisting in setting up AR/VR studies and building robots from open-source projects.
• Collaborating with researchers and contributing to research publications.

Possible research questions:

• What distance do people keep from robots in different scenarios?
• How can we model non-verbal social behaviors
• What design features of a robot enable comfortable interaction distances?

This role is ideal for students interested in robotics, human-robot interaction, and hands-on data collection experiments.

Who we are looking for

The recommended knowledge for this role is:

• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java
• Understanding of software development practices, including code documentation and version control (e.g., Git)
• Experience in conducting user studies (e.g., recruiting participants, collecting consent forms, understanding ethical research practices)
• Writing skills (in English)
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics, Cognitive Science, or related fields

Contract terms

These positions are 20% of full-time, which is roughly 8 hours per week. These hours will be divided across the various stages of the project, such as literature review, learning and implementing tools, collecting and analyzing data, or writing.

What we offer

• Read more about https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/ and our https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/chalmers-as-an-employer/benefits-and-conditions/ for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of https://www.goteborg.com/en.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/organisation-and-governance/equality/genie-gender-initiative-for-excellence/. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Personal letter

Other documents (optional):

• Copies of completed education, grades etc.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

Application deadline: May 4th 2026

For questions, please contact:

Mohammad Obaid

mailto:mobaid@chalmers.se

Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.