Assistant with Master in Robotics
The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for an Assistant with Master in Robotics, at the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA USI-SUPSI) within the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), located in Lugano. The degree of employment is 100%, with a contract starting on 01.01.2027, or on a mutually agreed date.
Duties and responsibilities
- Design and develop navigation algorithms for autonomous self-balancing systems, including omnidirectional sensing-based navigation, fail-safe navigation, and shared autonomy functionalities
- Lead the integration and validation of the autonomy stack on a real robotic platform, from onboard hardware integration to testing in representative indoor and outdoor environments
- Collaborate with industrial partners to support the transition from research prototype to a product with TRL 6–7
- Collaborate with researchers, PhD candidates and Master's students, supporting their research activities and scientific development
- Contribute to the preparation and dissemination of research results, to be included in publications in high-quality international conferences and journals
- Support the search, management and execution of funded research projects, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and maintaining effective communication with academic and industrial partners
Requirements
Technical background and skills
- Master’s degree in Robotics or a related field, with less of three years of professional experience
- Solid programming skills in Python (and ideally C++) for robotics applications, with experience in ROS2-based development
- Proven experience in autonomous systems and robot perception and control, including areas such as navigation and/or human-robot interaction
- Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
Soft skills
- Strong motivation for applied research at the intersection of AI, robotics, and real-world deployment, with genuine interest in bridging academic research and industrial innovation
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary and international research teams
- Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
- Strong organizational skills, proactivity, and a problem-solving mindset oriented toward impactful and high-quality research
Desirable but not strictly required
- Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow) applied to perception or robotics tasks
- Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping, including 3D printing and hardware integration
- Scientific publications in high-quality international conferences and journals in the relevant research areas
What SUPSI Offers
- A full-time employment contract, initially for two years, with possibility of extension.
- Attractive salary, in line with Swiss standards and the candidate's experience.
- An international working environment.
- Travel support to participate to high-quality conferences and workshops.
- Opportunity to develop professional and scientific skills.
- Co-supervision of students.
Application Process
Applications will only be considered if submitted electronically by 15.11.2026 through the dedicated application form. The following documents, written in English, must be included:
- Curriculum vitae and publications list (if any).
- Name and e-mail address of three reference contacts.
- A motivation letter, including a brief description of past research experience and future interests (1 page).
For further information, please contact: Dr. Antonio Paolillo.
Please include "[Job application]" in the subject line, otherwise the email may not be processed.
Incomplete applications, those submitted to incorrect addresses, or those received after the deadline will not be considered. In addition to the required application documents, further documentation (such as a criminal record certificate or a copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later stage.