Postdoctoral Researcher (m/w/div) in Human Interaction with Multi-Body Robot Systems

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research to advance intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, we shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and benefit society.

We are currently looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/w/div) in Human Interaction with Multi-Body Robot Systems at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart. Max Planck Research Groups Embodied Social Interaction, led by Dr. Philipp Müller and Robotic Composites and Compositions (RoCoCo), led by Dr. Buse Aktaş are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a new collaborative project that combines the groups’ complementary expertise.

Description

Multi-robot systems and swarm robotics are increasingly common in robotics research, with many works focusing on the design of inter-agent interactions, the reconfiguration of modular systems, and the optimization of collective motion planning for efficient task execution. However, less is known about how humans perceive behaviors of such systems and how these perceptions can impact interaction. In this project, we will investigate how humans perceive, conceptualize, and interact with multi-body robot systems. This includes aspects such as mental models and affective responses, and how these can be purposefully steered to achieve more seamless (safe, fluent, intuitive, effective) human-robot interaction.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Implementation of small projects in the area of Linux configuration
• Monitoring of file systems
• Monitoring of departmental Linux servers
• Installation of Linux and Windows clients
• Creating backup images of servers with DRLM
• Analysis and correlation of system logsReplacement and/or reinstallation of Linux servers
• Handling IT tickets submitted by users

Education & Experience

Required

• Doctoral degree in human-robot interaction, cognitive science, psychology, user experience, or a related field
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Experience in preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• Experience with user studies (study design, statistics), and exposure to UX methods, cognitive science, or psychology experiments
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Python libraries, R, or MATLAB)
• Programming skills in Python, C#, or JavaScript
• Interest in mentoring and co-mentoring visiting students, summer interns, and/or master’s students

Optional/Recommended

• Background in swarm robotics or other distributed robotic systems
• Some experience with animation, simulation, or visualization software

Our offer

• An international, multidisciplinary, and highly motivating working environment
• Extensive mentoring, supervision, and career-planning support from two PIs
• Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, including advanced fabrication and testing equipment
• Collaborations with world-leading research groups at MPI-IS and beyond
• Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars, and research visits, and via integration into the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG)
• Competitive salaries and fully funded positions
• Financial contribution to the job ticket (ÖPNV)

Expected start dates and duration

The start date is flexible, but preferably summer 2026, and no later than fall 2026. The position is fully funded for 1 year. Extensions might be possible if and when further funding is acquired for the project.

Application

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (in English, with a complete list of publications), a cover letter , a transcript from your current or most recent academic program and contact information for 2-3 references . In the cover letter (written in English, no longer than two pages), please describe how your previous research experiences have prepared you for this role, and how you hope this position will support your career development and prepare you for your next steps.

Please upload your application to our application portal. For full consideration of your application, please apply before April 16, 2026 AoE. The positions will be open until filled.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Buse Aktaş and Dr. Philipp Müller at

Equal Employment Opportunity

• The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women and non‑binary individuals in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages them to apply.