Research Assistant or Research Assistant (master thesis worker) position: Physical AI for Non-Contact Robotic Manipulation

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 (artur.kopitca@aalto.fi). In recruitment process related questions, please contact HR Advisor Johanna Haapalainen (hr-elec@aalto.fi).

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