Research Assistant or Research Assistant (master thesis worker) position: Physical AI for Non-Contac

The Robotic Instruments group at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering, is seeking a highly motivated master thesis worker or a Research Assistant (RA) to work on learning-based non-contact robotic manipulation using airflow and vision feedback.

This project investigates physical AI for robotic manipulation under uncertainty.  The focus is on combining vision-based tracking with learning-based control and planning to manipulate lightweight objects in three-dimensional space using a robotic air-jet platform. Airflow-induced stochasticity serves as the core physical challenge. The goal is to develop general-purpose manipulation policies for uncertain physical environments, building upon the group’s prior work on non-contact robotic manipulation. The position offers close supervision, hands-on experimentation, with room for initiative and exploration under guidance.

Project Description

The work is research-oriented and offers clear publication potential. Tasks include:

• Developing and refining a non-contact robotic manipulation system, starting from a simple actuation setup;

• Designing control and planning methods for nonlinear, stochastic dynamics;

• Investigating learning-based and hybrid physical AI approaches for manipulation;

• Conducting experimental validation across multiple scenarios;

• Preparing research documentation and contributing to a scientific publication.

Position Details

• Role: master thesis worker or research assistant (RA);

• Duration: for master thesis worker: 6 months or for RA: fixed term duration agreed at the start (with possible extension);

• Starting date: March 1, 2026, or as agreed;

• Location: Aalto University, Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation;

• Salary: According to the university salary scheme;

• For suitable candidates, this position can serve as an entry point toward doctoral studies.

Required Background

• Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or Machine Learning / AI with strong interest in physical systems;

• Solid interest in robotics, dynamics, and experimental work.

Preferred Skills

• Programming in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++/C#;

• Fundamentals of nonlinear dynamic systems;

• Experience with machine learning, reinforcement learning, or policy optimization applied to physical systems;

• Hands-on experience with mechatronic systems and experimental work.

Eligibility

The position is primarily open to Aalto University M.Sc. degree students.

How to Apply

Please submit your application as a single PDF file at your earliest convenience or by 15.2.2026, through our recruitment system by using the “Apply now!” link below.

Your application should include (in English):

• Letter of motivation (1–2 pages)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Academic transcripts

All applications must be submitted through Aalto University’s recruitment system. Email applications will not be considered.

For further inquiries about the position, please contact Postdoctoral Researcher Artur Kopitca ([email protected]). In recruitment process related questions, please contact HR Advisor Johanna Haapalainen ([email protected]).

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