Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam · Standplaats: Amsterdam · 21 april 2025
PhD on improving human-robot collaboration (HRC) using brain-computer interfaces
Are you interested in creating intelligent robots that learn from a human brain signal? Join our team as a 4-year full-time PhD candidate and work on our project "Improving human-robot collaboration using brain-computer interfaces"!
You will work closely with Dr. from the Department of Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Dr. Herke van Hoof from Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab), University of Amsterdam on the topic of neuroadaptive human-robot collaboration.
The project is focused on improving human-robot collaboration (HRC) using human brain signals as implicit feedback for robot learning. Specifically, we aim to employ EEG-based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to extract brain responses associated with human perception of robot's errors during a collaborative task. The extracted EEG response will then be employed in a Reinforcement Learning (RL) framework to optimize robot learning and behavior.
This project is part of the larger Hybrid Intelligence (HI) project with the goal to create responsible intelligent systems that work together with humans as teams while adapting to their strength and needs.
Within the context of the proposed projects, you will get the opportunity to:
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
a) Note that this job opening is one of several job openings on theHI page with job openings. If you do so, please inform the Hybrid Intelligence Centre'sProject Managervia email of the projects you are applying to.
b) We aim to create hybrid intelligence for everyone, see also ourDiversity Statement. To do this, we need an inclusive and diverse team of researchers. We especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply for this job.
At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam's Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.
We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.
You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes.
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
You will work closely with Dr. from the Department of Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Dr. Herke van Hoof from Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab), University of Amsterdam on the topic of neuroadaptive human-robot collaboration.
The project is focused on improving human-robot collaboration (HRC) using human brain signals as implicit feedback for robot learning. Specifically, we aim to employ EEG-based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to extract brain responses associated with human perception of robot's errors during a collaborative task. The extracted EEG response will then be employed in a Reinforcement Learning (RL) framework to optimize robot learning and behavior.
This project is part of the larger Hybrid Intelligence (HI) project with the goal to create responsible intelligent systems that work together with humans as teams while adapting to their strength and needs.
Within the context of the proposed projects, you will get the opportunity to:
As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam's Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.
We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.
You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes.
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.