We invite applications for a PhD position in the Humanoid and cognitive robotics group (https://cyber.felk.cvut.cz/research/groups-teams/humanoids/) led by Assoc. Prof. Matej Hoffmann (https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/) at the Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague.

Project context 

The position is part of the project “Understanding infant body know-how development through baby humanoid robots (ROBOTBABY)”. The PhD student will focus on embodied computational models and/or the AI tools for developmental science. 

A compilation of our past work in this area is available at https://sites.google.com/site/matejhof/research/body-schema.

Requirements

• Master’s (or equivalent) degree in computer science, mechanical/electrical engineering, robotics, applied mathematics, or a related discipline. 

• Background in the specific research topics of the project and thesis or prior publications in the area are an advantage.  

What we offer

• A PhD from a top-ranked European university (According to Computer Science rankings https://csrankings.org/, CTU ranks 6th in Europe in computer vision, and 7th in robotics). 

• Salary: approx. 1,600 EUR / month net (2,050 EUR gross), with performance- and publication-based bonuses.

• A highly international and interdisciplinary group. 

• Access to baby humanoid robots (iCub, Pepper, Nao, and several robot arms with sensitive skin and robot hands) and simulators, motion capture facilities, and high-performance computing clusters.

Starting date:

January 1st, 2026 (flexible).

The standard PhD duration is 4 years. 

How to apply: 

Please send the following documents  to matej.hoffmann@fel.cvut.cz with “PhD application” in the subject line. 

- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)

- CV (including contact details of two references)

Deadline: October 1, 2025.

If you are attending the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Development and Learning (ICDL) in Prague (https://icdl2025.fel.cvut.cz/), feel free to approach me there. 

Best regards,

Matej Hoffmann