Postdoctoral Researcher (m/w/div) in Nonverbal Bias in Human-Robot Interaction

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) conducts research to advance intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through fundamental research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, they shape artificial intelligence and robotics to advance knowledge and benefit society.

They are currently looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/w/div) in Nonverbal Bias in Human-Robot Interaction

at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart.

The Independent Research Groups Organizational Leadership and Diversity, led by Dr. Ksenia Keplinger and Embodied Social Interaction, led by Dr. Philipp Müller are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join a new collaborative project that combines the groups’ complementary expertise.

Description

Robots are increasingly integrated in humans’ daily lives. By showing social behaviors such as facial expressions, backchannels, or eye contact, robots can be perceived as more engaging and better fulfill their roles at work, in healthcare, or in education. At the same time, rich social behavior also poses the risk of reproducing- and perpetuating human social biases towards marginalized groups - for example by showing less attentive listening behavior. In this project, they will investigate the potential role of robots in the nonverbal expression and perpetuation of social biases. This includes both the expression of bias via robot bodies, as well as strategies to counteract human nonverbal bias via robots.

Education and experience

Required:

• Doctoral degree in human-robot interaction, cognitive science, psychology, user experience, or a related field
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Experience in preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• Experience with human-robot interaction experiments (study design, implementation, statistical analysis), and exposure to cognitive science, or psychology experiments
• Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Python libraries, R)
• Interest in mentoring and co-mentoring visiting students, summer interns, and/or master’s students

Optional:

• Experience with animation, simulation, or video editing software
• Experience with research on explicit and implicit biases
• Experience with processing of multi-model behavioral data

The offer:

• An international, multidisciplinary, and highly motivating working environment
• Extensive mentoring, supervision, and career-planning support from two PIs
• Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, including advanced fabrication and testing equipment
• Collaborations with world-leading research groups at MPI-IS and beyond
• Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars, and research visits, and via integration into the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG)
• Competitive salaries and fully funded positions
• Financial contribution to the job ticket (ÖPNV)

Expected start dates and duration

The start date is flexible, but preferably September 2026. The position is fully funded for 1 year. Extensions might be possible if and when further funding is acquired for the project.

Application:

Applications should include a curriculum vitae (in English, with a complete list of publications), a cover letter, a transcript from your current or most recent academic program and contact information for 2-3 references. In the cover letter (written in English, no longer than two pages), please describe how your previous research experiences have prepared you for this role, and how you hope this position will support your career development and prepare you for your next steps.

Please upload your application to the application portal.

For full consideration of your application, please apply before April 13, 2026 AoE. The positions will be open until filled.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Ksenia Keplinger and Dr. Philipp Müller at kkeplinger@is.mpg.de and phmueller@is.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women and non-binary individuals in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages them to apply.