Pro²Future – Cognitive and Sustainable Products and Production Systems of the Future – is an industry-related COMET K1 research Centre in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive / industrial ICT, human-machine-interaction (HMI) and data-driven process optimization with a focus on cognitive and sustainable products and production systems. These are supported by the areas of Perception, Orchestration, and Analytics. Further fields of activity of the Centre cover mechatronic systems, embedded systems, pervasive computing systems, and big data analytics.
For strengthening our team, we are currently offering the position of a
PhD Position (Doctoral Researcher) in AI & Humanoids (m/f/d)
Full-time (38.5 h) or part-time | Location: Graz | PhD entry after Master’s degree
To expand our Analytics team, we are seeking a motivated individual interested in conducting application-oriented AI research as part of a PhD project.
Your research focus in an industrial context Within the Analytics research area, you will develop innovative AI methods for industrial and robotic applications. The focus lies on enabling complex skills in humanoid robotic systems.
The objective of the research is to equip humanoid robots with new capabilities using state-of-the‑art machine learning techniques, allowing them to operate robustly and adaptively in complex, dynamic environments. Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Vision-Language Models (VLLMs) will be applied and further developed to efficiently integrate perception, decision-making and action execution.
Methods and technologies include, among others:
AI methods (deep learning, reinforcement learning) for learning and generalising skills in humanoid robots
Combination of reinforcement learning and vision-language models to enhance decision‑making
Processing and analysis of complex, high‑dimensional sensor data (e.g. vision, language)
Detection, assessment and prediction of system states, anomalies and learning progress
The PhD project is conducted in close collaboration with experienced researchers, industrial partners and academic supervisors .
What you can expect A fully funded PhD position with a clear scientific objective
Structured onboarding and intensive academic supervision
Participation in application‑oriented research projects
Opportunities for scientific publications and conference participation
A young, collaborative and appreciative working environment
Flexible working hours and flat hierarchies
Your profile You are a great fit if you …
A completed or nearly completed Master’s degree in computer science, data science, mathematics, mechatronics or a related field
Solid basic programming skills (e.g. Python)
Basic knowledge of machine learning / AI
Strong motivation for continuous professional development and independent learning
Team spirit and a structured way of working
Very good German skills and good English skills
If German is not (yet) your working language, we expect a very high level of motivation to learn German quickly and to actively use it in everyday work.
Our working environment and conditions Full-time or part-time employment possible (by arrangement)
Excellent work–life balance thanks to flexible working hours and home office options
Strong integration into the Austrian research and university landscape
Active promotion of women in research
Respect, diversity and equal opportunities as lived values
Gross monthly salary: EUR 3,800 (full‑time basis, pro rata for part‑time)
Pro2Future GmbH aims to increase the proportion of women in the research area – we are therefore particularly looking forward to applications from qualified women!
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