PHD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME VICENTE LÓPEZ: RESEARCHER IN EXPERIENCE-AND MODEL-BASED GRASP SYNTHESIS AND MANIPULATION

Eurecat Robotics and Automation Unit has over 15 years of experience working on private industrial contracts and publicly funded research projects at both national and international levels.
We specialize in applied R&D in the fields of industrial and service robotics, focusing on advanced applications such as industrial perception, robotic collaboration and manipulation, ground and aerial robotics, and cognitive robotics.
Our primary goal is to support our clients and partners in driving innovation by collaboratively identifying the most effective, customized technological solutions that are efficient, ethical, and ready for immediate implementation.
Eurecat Robotics and Automation Unit in collaboration with the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, has opened a position for a PhD candidate to develop a thesis in the field of Experience-and Model-Based Grasp Synthesis and Manipulation.
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to the integration of AI techniques in robotic grasping and manipulation.
The candidate will primarily work on the Intelliman project.
The thesis will focus on the following key areas.
a) Incorporating reasoning techniques into the grasp synthesis process to enhance robot autonomy, enabling adaptation to various situations and recovery from failures.
b) Embedding learning-based motion-planning methods into classical task-and-motion planning approaches for manipulation, improving efficiency.
Additionally, the balance between on-board and off-board processes will be explored to optimize high-performance planning.
Robust execution frameworks will be developed with rapid re-planning capabilities to adapt to changing scenarios or unexpected situations.
The research will combine both physics-based models and machine learning techniques to develop algorithms that prevent slippage and enable in-hand manipulation, utilizing vision, force, and tactile sensing with both parallel and multi-fingered grippers.
These control modalities aim to coordinate grasp force with external aids, such as gravity or environmental contacts, to enhance dexterity without increasing the robotic system's degrees of freedom.
The department, in collaboration with the University of Barcelona, has opened a position for a PhD candidate to develop a thesis in the field of Experience- and Model-Based Grasp Synthesis and Manipulation.
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to contribute to the integration of AI techniques in robotic grasping and manipulation.
The candidate will primarily work on the Intelliman project.
The thesis will focus on the following key areas.
a) Incorporating reasoning techniques into the grasp synthesis process to enhance robot autonomy, enabling adaptation to various situations and recovery from failures.
b) Embedding learning-based motion-planning methods into classical task-and-motion planning approaches for manipulation, improving efficiency.
Additionally, the balance between on-board and off-board processes will be explored to optimize high-performance planning.
Robust execution frameworks will be developed with rapid re-planning capabilities to adapt to changing scenarios or unexpected situations.
The research will combine both physics-based models and machine learning techniques to develop algorithms that prevent slippage and enable in-hand manipulation, utilizing vision, force, and tactile sensing with both parallel and multi-fingered grippers.
These control modalities aim to coordinate grasp force with external aids, such as gravity or environmental contacts, to enhance dexterity without increasing the robotic system's degrees of freedom.
Besides, it is a great opportunity to apply robotics research to real applications, working on National or Horizon Europe research projects, or hand in hand with our customers in several of our private contracts with industry.
Functions and Responsibilities.
The research will focus on the scientific contribution and technological developments including.
• Artificial Intelligence • Robot Manipulation and Grasping • Develop, validate, and maintain code • Lead, plan and execute demonstrations • Participate and lead scientific publications • Provide R&D support to the other colleagues • Conducting the research, write drafts of scientific papers, and deliver a PhD thesis.
Studies and Knowledge.
MSc in Computer Science, Automatic Control, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related disciplines Experience.
Experience in coding and tuning for the development of robotic applications, as well as the validation of real-time control functions and simulation models.
Extensive knowledge in robotic applications, trajectory generation, and motion control.
Proven experience with C++, Python, ROS, reusable code, and software documentation Soft Skills.
Ability to work autonomously as well as coordinating with colleagues for eventual team tasks.
Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and creativity.
Languages.
High oral and written communication skills in English Knowledge of Catalan and/or Spanish is an asset.
Submission of Applications.
In order to formalize their application, applicants must.
Complete the registration forms, making sure they provide all of the information requested and provide the following documentation.
* A photocopy of their valid NIF, NIE or passport.
* A CV and covering letter explaining their reasons for applying to the program.
* A photocopy of the official academic certificate (or payment receipt for it) that grants them access to the doctoral program.
* The academic transcript of their master’s degree studies.
Applicants who have not yet completed their master’s degree studies must submit their most recent academic transcript.
* Accreditation of any other relevant achievements.
before October 20th, .
Selection Process The selection process will be led by a committee that includes Scientific Management department, a specialist from People and Organization department, and the person who will be responsible for supervising the thesis connected to the vacancy.
Once the applicants' compliance with the requirements has been verified, the Commission will evaluate the merits of each application based on the curriculum, academic transcript, previous research activity, previous experience in the field of the thesis in the industrial/company sector and their fluency in English.
The evaluation process will include selection interviews.
Curriculum.
Up to 30 points Academic Transcript.
Up to 30 points Previous research activity.
Up to 15 points Previous experience in the field of the thesis in the industrial sector or company.
Up to 15 points Fluency in English.
Up to 10 points The committee will then create a prioritized list of applications that received positive evaluations.
If no application reaches the minimum score of 60 points based on the criteria outlined in the previous section, the committee may void the call.
In this scenario, Eurecat may restart the selection process, establishing new deadlines for application submissions and the selection procedure.
Every applicant will be informed about the status of their application in the program.
By submitting an application, the applicant agrees to these terms.
Non-compliance with these terms, incomplete documentation, or any other formal defects will result in the exclusion of the application from the selection process.
Decisions will be communicated to applicants via the email address provided during registration