Are you a roboticist passionate about making a real-world impact beyond the lab?
We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our research group at the Division of Dynamics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology. This is an exciting opportunity to transfer cutting-edge methods from humanoid robotics to biomechanics and transport safety, in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
About us
At the Department of Mechanichal Engineering, we unite the power of technology, people, and society to drive the transition toward a sustainable future. Through research, education, and collaboration, we create solutions that connect materials to mobility, ideas to impact – shaping a resilient and sustainable world. We make impact.
At the Division of Dynamics, we conduct cutting-edge research on structural vibrations, contact mechanics, wave propagation, and robot mechanics, from advanced modelling and simulation to large-scale experiments. In close collaboration with industry, we advance sustainable, reliable engineering systems in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Our research group, the Robot Athletic Intelligence Lab (RAIL), focuses on legged robotics and dynamics & control, developing systems that push the boundaries of robotic locomotion. Learn more at chalmers-rail.github.io.
About the research project
Free-standing passengers on public transport – buses, trams, and urban vehicles – face real injury risks from unexpected disturbances caused by road conditions and driver maneuvers, particularly for passengers with limited muscle strength such as the elderly. Yet robust simulation tools for evaluating these risks across diverse demographics remain lacking.
This project proposes to bridge this gap by transferring state-of-the-art methods from humanoid robotics – reinforcement learning, whole-body model predictive control (MPC), and differentiable optimal control – to simulate human balance and step recovery in urban transport scenarios. The goal is a parameterized human model spanning diverse demographic groups, with applications in autonomous vehicle safety, transport infrastructure planning, and rehabilitation aid design. The insights gained are also expected to inform the development of more robust balance and locomotion controllers for humanoid robots operating in real-world environments.
Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:
- A doctoral degree in Robotics or biomechanics or classical majors such as Mechanical/Electrical Engineering/Computer Science/Mathematics with a specialization in themes such as robotics, systems & control engineering, mechatronics etc. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Solid experience in legged robotics or humanoid robot control, including whole-body MPC and/or reinforcement learning for locomotion.
- Proficiency in multibody dynamics modeling and simulation.
- Prior publication record at top robotics and AI venues, including conferences (ICRA, IROS, RSS, NeurIPS, CoRL) or journals (RA-L, T-RO, IJRR, RAM), or equivalent biomechanics publication venues.
The following experience will strengthen your application:
- It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline.
- Experience with differentiable physics engines or real-time simulation frameworks (e.g., MuJoCo, Drake, Pinocchio, Isaac Sim).
- Background in biomechanics, human motion analysis, or musculoskeletal modeling (e.g., OpenSim).
- Familiarity with transport safety, human factors, or rehabilitation engineering.
- Experience with motion capture or experimental data collection involving human subjects.
What you will do
- Adapt and extend state-of-the-art humanoid robot control methods – including reinforcement learning and whole-body MPC – to model human balance and step recovery in urban transport scenarios.
- Develop and validate a parameterized human model spanning diverse demographic groups (age, body composition, muscle strength).
- Conduct simulation studies in collaboration with transport safety and biomechanics researchers within and beyond Chalmers.
- Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent.
- Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level.
The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.
Contract terms
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension. Expected start date is 01st January 2027.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
What we offer
- As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than 15th August 2026.
For questions, please contact:
Shivesh Kumar
Assistant Professor - Dynamics & Control
[email protected] /+46 31 772 22 95
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
