TU-ID: 193 Cover for leave of absence TU Wien is Austria’s largest institution of research and higher education in the fields of technology and natural sciences. With over 26,000 students and more than 4000 scientists, research, teaching, and learning dedicated to the advancement of science and technology have been conducted here for more than 200 years, guided by the motto "Technology for People". As a driver of innovation, TU Wien fosters close collaboration with business and industry and contributes to the prosperity of society.

At the Institute of Visual Computing and Human-Centered Technology , in the Research Unit of Artifact-based Computing & User Research, TU Wien, a position as university assistant (post-doc) is available until expected February 28th, 2027 or for the duration of cover for leave of absence for 40 hours/week. Expected start: March 2026.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow passionate about building interactive robots and drones, with a strong technical background. The position is located at the Institute of Visual Computing & Human-Centered Technology in the Faculty of Informatics at TU Wien, Vienna, Austria.

As they become increasingly autonomous, aerial robots (or drones) are transforming from remote-control devices to partners with humans. Recent advances in human-drone interaction enable humans - whether experts or laypeople - to interact directly with a drone when they are collocated. This opens the path to new applications, from co-working drones that can deliver items to workers at height to search-and-rescue drones that help first responders, and even emotional-support drones that assist people in their daily lives. Yet, much research is still needed for drones to understand complex human situations and for humans to comprehend the behaviors of robotic devices.

Tasks:

• Your research will involve designing methods, concepts, and prototypes (both software and hardware) for the next generation of interactive ground and aerial robots that can sense and interpret human behavior, and evaluating these prototypes with users. You will work following a human-centered design process, and part of your work will consist of conducting user studies with various stakeholders using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as analyzing the resulting data
• In addition to your own research, you will co-supervise BSc and MSc research students working in the lab
• You will participate in organizational and administrative tasks within the lab, research unit, and faculty, and in particular, ensure the smooth operation of our interaction design and drone facilities
• You will work both independently and as part of a team
• You will also participate in writing research grants, and you may be required to teach and mentor students independently
• You are expected to bring scientific rigor, creativity, and leadership skills to the lab

Your profile:

• Completion of a PhD in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or similar studies by the start date
• Experience in Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Robot Interaction, or Interaction with Autonomous Vehicles
• Deep interest in scientific problems and motivation for independent and goal-oriented research
• Outstanding publication record in top HCI / HRI or Robotics research
• Ability to work both independently and in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Experience in teaching and/or mentoring students
• Leadership and management skills, including strong organisational and analytical skills, as well as a structured way of working
• Strong interaction design skills, including, but not limited to: prototyping, wireframing, and use of software tools, such as Figma, Adobe XD, Autodesk
• Wide knowledge of user research methods: e.g., participatory design, interviews, surveys, usability testing, WoZ, in-person experiments
• Data analysis skills for quantitative and qualitative methods
• A can-do attitude
• Excellent written and spoken English: knowledge of German is an advantage

We offer:

• A dynamic research and development environment at one of Europe’s leading technical universities
• Opportunity to shape the next generation of human-machine facilities
• Close collaboration with academic researchers
• A range of attractive social benefits (see Benefits )
• Wide range of internal and external training opportunities, various career options
• Central location of workplace as well as good accessibility (U1/U2/U4 Karlsplatz)

TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.

People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.

Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 5,014.30/month gross, 14 times/year for 40 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.

We look forward to receiving your application until February 19th, 2026.

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