20 Dec 2025
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
CNRS- Department
Laboratoire d'analyse et d'architecture des systèmes- Research Field
Engineering
Computer science
Mathematics- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Country
France- Application Deadline
9 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
35- Offer Starting Date
1 May 2026- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
Not funded by a EU programme- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
The PhD project will be supervised by Dr. Anastasia Bolotnikova, an expert in Human–Robot Interaction with a strong international track record in the field, and co-supervised by Dr. Aurélie Clodic, an expert in Human–Robot Interaction and knowledge representation.
The research will be conducted within the Robotics and InteractionS team at LAAS-CNRS, a historically renowned research environment for Human–Robot Interaction and autonomous robotics. The project is embedded in the framework of a funded ANR research project, ensuring a structured research program, access to experimental platforms, and a stimulating collaborative environment.
The PhD student will benefit from support from Master's-level interns throughout the project and will have the opportunity to participate in their supervision, thereby developing mentoring and supervision skills. In addition, a postdoctoral researcher will join the project during its second half, providing further scientific support and opportunities for close collaboration.
This PhD project focuses on the design, modeling, and evaluation of proactive tactile communication from robots to humans. While touch is a fundamental channel in human–human interaction, its use in human–robot interaction remains limited and poorly understood, especially in proactive and socially meaningful contexts. The goal of this research is to investigate how robots can intentionally use tactile cues to convey information, intentions, or affect in a way that is understandable, acceptable, and beneficial to humans.
The PhD student will explore tactile interaction strategies, including the selection, timing, and modulation of touch, and their integration with other communication modalities such as motion, gaze, or speech. The work will combine robotics, human–robot interaction, and experimental methods, involving the development of tactile behaviors on robotic platforms and the design of user studies to evaluate perception, interpretation, and user experience.
The expected outcomes include computational models and design guidelines for proactive robot-to-human tactile communication, as well as validated interaction scenarios in real-world or semi-controlled settings. This research aims to contribute to the development of more intuitive, legible, and socially aware robots capable of engaging with humans through physical interaction.
Where to apply
- Website
- https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UPR8001-ANABOL-001/Candidater.aspx
Requirements
- Research Field
- Engineering
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Computer science
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Mathematics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Languages
- FRENCH
- Level
- Basic
- Research Field
- Engineering
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Computer science
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
- Research Field
- Mathematics
- Years of Research Experience
- 1 - 4
Additional Information
- Website for additional job details
https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UPR8001-ANABOL-001/Default.aspx
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Laboratoire d'analyse et d'architecture des systèmes
- Country
- France
- City
- TOULOUSE
- Geofield
Contact
- City
TOULOUSE- Website
http://www.laas.fr
STATUS: EXPIRED
- X (formerly Twitter)
More share options- Viadeo
- Gmail
- Blogger
- Qzone
- YahooMail