Associate Professor Cognition & AI For Robotics

Are you an expert in the field of cognition & AI for robotics, with skills to organise, coach and lead a team of ambitious research engineers to a higher level? Would you like to set out the strategic plan of this research line and realize it through acquisition of projects? Do you have a large network, and are you a charismatic leader that likes a dynamic environment ? Then this job is for you!

This is what you do as Associate Professor Cognition & AI For Robotics

You will lead the cognition & AI for robotics specialization research line, and you will be responsible for the content-based leadership position and the development of the group’s competence. You need to establish a strong network and keep the research line up-to-date through project extensive acquisition, promotion and effective exploitation of results in education and industry. You will also align with the other (associate) professors, and work together with project manager(s), team leader(s), researchers and students to build new and innovative practical knowledge and a unified team.

This is where you will work

At Saxion we explore future developments, look beyond our borders and disciplines and drive innovation. By doing this together we contribute to a smarter, safer and more sustainable world. We question how significant technological innovations are and how they can contribute to humanity, society and our planet.

School of Life Science, Engineering and Design
As Associate Professor Cognition & AI For Robotics at Saxion, you will be a member of the Smart Mechatronics And RoboTics (SMART) Research Group. This team is part of the School of Life Science, Engineering and Design (LED). LED offers an inspiring and effective learning, work and research environment, focused on applied technologies and recent national and international developments.

Saxion’s employment terms and conditions

Working at Saxion means working on inspiring, future-oriented education and research. You will fulfil an exciting position, working independently in a dynamic, socially relevant organisation that matters. The position provides you with plenty of opportunities to take initiative and develop.

We also offer the following:

The following salary scale: scale 13: min € 6.154 / max € 7.495 (cao-hbo) working on a full-time basis.
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
You will receive a temporary contract, with the possibility of extension.
A generous leave policy. For example: if you work full-time and have opted for a 40-hour week you can take 428 hours of leave annually. This means you will have 53.5 holiday leave days, including statutory holiday days and public holidays.
Personal development: follow an inspirational webinar, workshop or training course at our internal Saxion Academy, do a career check or explore the possibilities of taking a master’s degree or PhD programme or professional doctorate.
The Saxion Hybrid Working Package
A comprehensive retirement plan. See the cao-hbo for more information.
100% allowance for travel by public transport and tax benefits on the purchase of a bicycle.

Would you like to find out more about our terms of employment? Check out our webpage.

Job requirements

We seek a professional who fits the job profile below. Does this sound like you? Then this job is ideal for you!

A doctorate degree with at least three years of experience (industry or academia) in one of the following fields— Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, Applied computer Sciences, showing a strong theoretical and practical experience in data and physics driven dynamic modeling and simulation of robotic systems, machine learning, reinforcement learning and deep learning.
Strong affinity in applied research and development in the fields of robotics, mechatronics and AI, and one or more application areas, such as Safety & Security, Manufacturing Industry, Precision Agriculture, Inspection & Maintenance.
Demonstrable experience in strategic and analytical thinking in the direction of bridging the gap between market and science by involving (higher) professional education.
Experience in building networks, acquisition of R&D projects, mobilising a team to conduct successful projects, and effective exploitation of results in education and industry.
A leadership and working attitude that can be characterized as: inspiring coach, ambitious leader, result-oriented team player, flexible and hospitable person.

How to apply

Feeling enthusiastic? Then apply directly for the position of Associate Professor Cognition & AI For Robotics using this application form.

If you have any questions about this position, Then please contact Abeje Y Mersha, Professor of Smart Mechatronics and Robotics at +31 6 - 2233 7351.

Saxion strives to be a diverse and inclusive organisation. Feel free to apply.
VOG - may be part of the application process.

Application procedure

For your diary:

Applications can be submitted until May 18th 2025.
The first job interview is on Monday May 26th, 2025 between 13.00-17.00.

Please note that this vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In the event of candidates with equal merit, internal candidates will be given priority.

Acquisition from employment agencies, based on this vacancy, is not appreciated.