Connectionists: PhD Position on Cognitive Architectures for Social Human–Robot Interaction (@Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia IIT, Genoa, Italy)

[Francesco Rea]

The COgNiTive Architectures for Collaborative Technologies (CONTACT) unit of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is offering 1 PhD position on the development of next-generation cognitive architectures for social robots. We are looking for motivated candidates interested in advancing adaptive, human-aware, and experience-driven robotic intelligence.
The PhD position can be assigned on one of the following PhD Themes:
> Experience-driven Cognitive Architectures for Lifelong Social Robots
Develop architectures enabling robots (e.g., iCub, AlterEgo, UR5) to learn continuously from embodied interaction, build long-term knowledge, and acquire autonomous, adaptive behaviour over time (e.g., memory systems, action–effect learning, social understanding).
> Adaptation in Cognitive Architectures for Human–Robot Interaction
Design systems allowing robots to adapt to individual users, modelling both stable traits (e.g., expertise) and dynamic factors (e.g., context, affect, interaction history) to enable personalized, flexible social interaction.
Both themes involve designing and validating novel software modules bridging cognitive science and robotics, with real-world experimental evaluation.
Requirements: Background in Robotics, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Cognitive Science or related fields; strong problem-solving and time-management skills; Python/C++; ML/DL is a plus.
Tutors: Dr. Alessandra Sciutti, Dr. Francesco Rea, Dr. Dario Pasquali, Prof. Giulio Sandini
Contacts: francesco.rea at iit.it<mailto:francesco.rea at iit.it>, alessandra.sciutti at iit.it<mailto:alessandra.sciutti at iit.it>, dario.pasquali at iit.it<mailto:dario.pasquali at iit.it>, giulio.sandini at iit.it<mailto:giulio.sandini at iit.it>
Application Deadline: 9th of July 2026
For more information: https://biorob.phd.unige.it/sites/biorob.phd.unige.it/files/2026-06/PhD%20themes%2042_COGNITIVE.pdf
How to apply: https://biorob.phd.unige.it/how-to-apply
Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the tutors before applying.


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