PhD Position in "AI-Enhanced Teleoperation for Safe and Transparent Remote Robot Control”

29.01.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team at TUM MIRMI for a PhD position in "AI-Enhanced Teleoperation for Safe and Transparent Remote Robot Control”.

About us

The TUM Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) is a globally visible, interdisciplinary research center dedicated to machine intelligence—the integration of robotics, artificial intelligence, and perception. MIRMI’s research addresses key societal challenges across its central innovation sectors: the future of health, work, environment, and mobility. More than 70 professors from multiple TUM faculties collaborate within MIRMI, fostering an exceptional environment for cutting-edge, high-impact research.

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team at MIRMI. This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in safe, transparent, and reliable remote robotic control under network uncertainties, with a strong focus on safety-critical bilateral teleoperation (e.g., tele-surgery).

The doctoral research will focus on the development of fault-tolerant and adaptive control architectures, leveraging a principled combination of passivity-based control methods, machine learning, and human-in-the-loop systems to enable robust teleoperation in uncertain and delayed communication environments.

Key Research Responsibilities

• Conduct original PhD research on shared and remote robotic control under uncertain communication conditions, integrating passivity-based control, machine learning, and human-centered control paradigms.
• Design and implement algorithms for shared control between human operators and autonomous systems to improve safety, transparency, and performance in teleoperation.
• Implement and validate methods on real robotic hardware and experimental teleoperation setups.
• Actively collaborate with industrial and academic partners involved in the project.
• Publish research outcomes in leading international robotics conferences and journals.
• Participate in project meetings, dissemination activities, and collaborative research initiatives.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong research interest in telerobotics, shared control, human–robot interaction, or networked control systems.
• Experience with robotic hardware (e.g., robot arms) and proficiency in C++ and/or Python, ROS 2, and MATLAB.
• Solid background in control theory and/or machine learning is highly desirable.
• Excellent command of English (written and spoken, at least according to level C2); German language skills are a plus but not required.
• High motivation, creativity, and the ability to work both independently and within an international, interdisciplinary research team.

What We Offer

• A stimulating and international research environment with access to state-of-the-art robotic platforms and laboratories.
• The opportunity to pursue high-impact PhD research at the forefront of robotics and artificial intelligence.
• Close collaboration with leading academic researchers, innovative industry partners, and international networks.
• The position is initially limited to a two year term.
• Excellent conditions for professional development and academic career progression.
• Employment and remuneration according to the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of the Länder (TV-L).

Equal Opportunity Statement

TUM is committed to increasing the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women. The position is suitable for disabled persons. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in the case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude, and professional performance. International applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

We look forward to receiving your complete application. Please upload them using the subject line "84RSIPhD GAP” via the following link: here

Required documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae, including contact details of at least two academic references
2. Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
3. Two to three representative publications or project reports demonstrating relevant expertise (if available)

Application deadline:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by February 25, 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Kontakt: Dr. Hamid Sadeghian: hamid.sadeghian@tum.de