Research assistant

Want to combine your programming skills with pioneering research in Human-Robot Interaction? Join our multidisciplinary research team and gain practical experience developing software for robotic platforms, supporting user studies, and contributing to innovative projects that explore the future of human-centred technology.

Information about the division/the project

The https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/cse/, a joint department of Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg, spans the breadth of computing disciplines. Our internationally visible research, strong industry links and diverse environment create a collaborative setting where ideas grow into real impact.

At the https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/cse/our-research/interaction-design-and-software-engineering/, we design smarter ways to engineer better software, and explore how people engage with digital systems, combining global research perspectives with strong collaboration with industry.

Job description

You will join a research team comprising professors, Doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers, who conduct research in the field of Human-Robot Interaction. Your role will be to assist with various ongoing research projects. Duties will include developing and testing software for robot (e.g. Softbanks Robotics "Pepper", and other similar platforms), setting up local databases for data collection, assisting the researchers during the user studies, helping setting up online studies, etc.

You will have regular contact with the researchers and you will participate in group meetings, allowing you to gain a wider knowledge about the research topics within the groups. This position will allow you to gain practical experience conducting research projects in a highly interdisciplinary setting, combining elements of computer science and cognitive science.

Contract terms

Temporary employment

Employment period: 2 months initial contract, followed by a 7-month extension (9 months total).

Extent: 20%

Location: Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Gothenburg (Lindholmen campus)

First day of employment: 2026-10-01 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position:

• You must be an active student at bachelor or master level studying in one of the institution's BSc or MSc level programmes at the University of Gothenburg or Chalmers University of Technology.
• You should have good knowledge in English, both spoken and written.
• You need to be in Gothenburg, Sweden during the time of your employment.
• You are able to work independently and communicate progress / issues clearly.
• You are proactive and can manage working in parallel projects if need be.
• You have experience with one or more programming languages commonly used in Human-Robot Interaction research (Python, JavaScript).

It is meritorious if:

• You have experience programming robots (e.g. using ROS).
• You have an understanding of large language models or conversational AI frameworks (e.g., OpenAI API, Gemini AI).
• You have experience setting up and maintaining databases (e.g. SQLite, MySQL).
• You have an interest in research involving users interacting with technology.

What we offer

Chalmers provides a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of https://www.goteborg.com/en/.

Read more about https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/chalmers-as-an-employer/ and our https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/chalmers-as-an-employer/benefits-and-conditions/ for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/organisation-and-governance/equality/genie-gender-initiative-for-excellence/. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure

The application should be attached as PDF files, as below:

CV

Personal letter

Other documents (optional):

• Copies of completed education, grades etc.

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please use the button at the bottom of the page to reach the application form. We do not accept applications sent by email.

Application deadline: 2026-09-24

For questions, please contact:

Dr. Ilaria Torre

ilariat@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.