One PhD stipend within the AI:Cybernetics Lab Smarter Human-Robot Collaboration Through Artificial Intelligenc

AI:X is an ambitious initiative at Aalborg University that aims to advance AI research and create real-world impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, and five labs will be initiated in 2025 with a total of 20 PhD stipends. 

The AI:Cybernetics Lab is part of the AI:X initiative with four PhD stipends and is a collaboration between the Department of Health Science and Technology, The Facul-ty of Medicine and the Department of Materials and Production, The Faculty of Engi-neering and Science.

We live in a world where robots are increasingly used in industry and healthcare but making them work naturally with humans remains a challenge. AI:Cybernetics devel-ops a new kind of control system, where AI combines human signals (like muscle ac-tivity) with awareness of the environment (such as camera input). Imagine a robotic, prosthetic hand that automatically adjusts to the object you want to grab - without you needing to consciously control every movement. The same principle applies to robot arms helping with assembly tasks. The goal is intuitive and efficient teamwork be-tween people and robots.

The stipend is open for appointment from 15. October 2025 (or soon thereafter). The duration of the position is three years.

Job description

The goal of AI:Cybernetics lab is to enable human-machine interfacing for robotic applications where humans and robots share control (e.g., cobots in industry and bionic limbs in health). This requires comprehensive integration of many data sources coming from the user, robot, and environment. This challenge can be addressed only using advanced AI. This lab will develop a radically new paradigm for human control of complex robotic systems with high levels of agency and minimal cognitive effort.

The lab is looking for candidates for the following stipend:

PhD Stipend: Human-Machine Interfacing for Semi-Autonomous Robotic Prostheses
This project will develop novel AI algorithms to decode human intention from electrophysiological signals (e.g., EMG) for intuitive control of upper-limb prosthetic devices. You will develop machine learning methods that combine neural signals with environmental context to enable seamless object manipulation. The objective is to create a framework that balances human control with robotic assistance, reducing cognitive load while maintaining user agency during daily activities.
 
Specific requirements:

• Master's degree in Control Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Robotics, or related fields
• Strong programming skills (Python, MATLAB, and/or C++/C#)
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques, particularly for time-series data

The following skills are advantageous:

• Experience with processing and analysis of electrophysiological signals
• Experience with control theory and implementation
• Knowledge of rehabilitation robotics or assistive technologies
• Background in prosthetics, human-machine interfaces, human factors, or human-in-the-loop systems

All candidates should present these qualifications:

• All candidates should present these qualifications:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology  in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    

At Department of Health Science and Technology we conduct research, teaching and innovation within e.g. medicine, biomedicine, biomedical engineering, health technologies, robotics, neuroscience, sports science, public health and physiotherapy. Our mission is to contribute to increased quality of life for the benefit of the individual human being and society. 
We are a major part in implementing the 2030 vision of the Faculty of Medicine, i.e. to become leading within digital health and well-known for doctors and engineers finding solutions together. Our mission is to drive positive societal impact through cutting-edge research and innovation, with a strong focus on digital health. We are dedicated to addressing four grand challenges (healthy and ageing living, non-communicable diseases, multi- and co-morbidity and rehabilitation) that shape our vision for sustainable and healthy and sustainable future.

We educate bachelors and masters of science within biomedical engineering, medicine, medicine with industrial specialisation, sports science, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, public health, and clinical health and technology. In addition to the graduate programmes, we are specialized in postgraduates’ studies within pain science and within digital health. Our graduates contribute to setting the agenda for future needs and contribute to solutions for increased public health and implementation of new health knowledge and technologies.

Currently, our department has approximately 280 employees, 100 Ph.D.-students enrolled in the Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology, and 1500 students in our bachelors and masters programmes. We hold state of the art research and we offer state of art learning opportunities in our teaching facilities. 

At HST, you have the chance to explore your passions, connect with individuals who inspire and challenge you, and make discoveries that can transform both your life and the world. Our values that we work by are share-care-dare. You can read more about our department at our web page and research portal

As The Faculty of Medicine wishes PhD positions to enable careers both within and outside the university, the vacant positions are created in such a way that the competences achieved in the position will qualify for both a research career and a career in the commercial and/or public sector. At least a year before the position expires, you will be offered an interview to clarify your future career. 

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including academic qualifications and relevant experience
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Project description - Brief description (maximum 1 page) of your motivation for the project(s) (stipend(s)
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

We expect to conduct interviews for all projects between October 1-3, 2025.

Further information  
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Doctoral School in Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).