Postdoctoral Researcher in Nonverbal Bias in Human-Robot Interaction

About Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) is dedicated to advancing intelligent systems that perceive, learn, and interact. Through foundational research across computational, physical, and social dimensions, MPI-IS actively shapes artificial intelligence and robotics to expand knowledge and benefit society.

Opportunity: Postdoctoral Researcher in Nonverbal Bias in Human-Robot Interaction

The Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join a new collaborative project. This role combines the complementary expertise of the Independent Research Groups 'Organizational Leadership and Diversity', led by Dr. Ksenia Keplinger, and 'Embodied Social Interaction', led by Dr. Philipp Müller.

As robots become increasingly integrated into daily human life, their social behaviors, such as facial expressions, backchannels, and eye contact, significantly enhance their perceived engagement and effectiveness in various settings including work, healthcare, and education. However, this rich social interaction also carries the risk of perpetuating human social biases towards marginalized groups, for instance, through less attentive listening behavior. This project will specifically investigate the role robots play in the nonverbal expression and perpetuation of social biases, exploring both how bias is expressed through robot bodies and developing strategies to counteract human nonverbal bias via robots.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Conduct research on the potential role of robots in expressing and perpetuating social biases.
• Investigate strategies to counteract human nonverbal bias through robot interactions.
• Design, implement, and statistically analyze human-robot interaction experiments.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
• Potentially mentor and co-mentor visiting students, summer interns, and master's students.

Education & Experience

Required

• Doctoral degree in human-robot interaction, cognitive science, psychology, user experience, or a closely related field.
• Exceptional written and spoken English communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing research manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
• Proven experience with human-robot interaction experiments, including study design, implementation, and statistical analysis, with exposure to cognitive science or psychology experiments.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Python libraries or R.
• A keen interest in mentoring and co-mentoring students at various academic levels.

Optional

• Experience with animation, simulation, or video editing software.
• Research experience specifically in explicit and implicit biases.
• Proficiency in processing multi-modal behavioral data.

Our Offer

• A stimulating, international, and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Comprehensive mentoring, supervision, and personalized career-planning support from two Principal Investigators.
• Access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities, including advanced fabrication and testing equipment.
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading research groups both within MPI-IS and globally.
• Networking opportunities through conferences, seminars, research visits, and integration into the Robotics Institute Germany (RIG).
• Competitive salaries for fully funded positions.
• Financial contribution towards a job ticket (ÖPNV).

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through the application portal. Applications must include:

• A curriculum vitae (in English, with a complete list of publications).
• A compelling cover letter (in English, maximum two pages) detailing how your prior research experience aligns with this role and how this position will foster your career development.
• A transcript from your most recent academic program.
• Contact information for 2-3 professional references.

For full consideration, please apply before April 13, 2026 AoE. The position will remain open until filled. For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Ksenia Keplinger at kkeplinger@is.mpg.de or Dr. Philipp Müller at phmueller@is.mpg.de.

The Max Planck Society champions diversity and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, and actively strives for gender equality, explicitly encouraging women and non-binary individuals to apply, especially in underrepresented areas.

Key skills/competency

• Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
• Cognitive Science
• Psychology
• User Experience (UX)
• Statistical Analysis
• Python
• R
• Research Design
• Manuscript Preparation
• Social Bias