2 Research Assistants (summer 2026) in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
Robotics and Autonomous Systems unit at the Department of Computing is looking for two Research Assistants for summer 2026. The work done as a summer employee can serve as a basis for a MSc thesis topic and/or possible research assistant tasks after the summer.
Job description
Position 1 falls under the following research theme:
Learning Cross-Gripper Latent Spaces: Today, deep neural networks are good at identifying how a robot should pick objects directly from RGB-D images. The main bottleneck, however, is that for each gripper type (parallel-jaw, three-finger, four-finger, and five-finger hands), we need to train a neural network tailored to that hardware. This prevents the transfer of learned grasping knowledge across different hand designs, leading to redundant training. To address this limitation, this project aims to learn a cross-gripper latent space using, e.g., a Vector Quantised Variational Autoencoder (the same technique used to learn tokenizers for Large Language Models). The hope is that the latent gripper space is sufficiently expressive that we can use it for training a single large neural network that works across all gripper types.
Required knowledge: (1) Proficiency in Python and in one of the deep learning frameworks PyTorch or Jax; (2) Basic understanding of Machine Learning and deep learning.
Further information: Jens Lundell (jens.lundell@utu.fi)
Position 2 falls under either of the following two research themes:
- Cooperative Control of Multi-Robot System for Environmental Monitoring: You will work on tasks that can range from implementation of software and hardware architecture for multi-robot system to comparison and evaluation of different environmental monitoring algorithms/approaches.
- Human-Robot Interaction for Real-time Infrastructure Monitoring with multiple UAVs: You will work on developing software and hardware architecture for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the user interface to the human operator. The task also involves developing image processing pipeline to achieve real-time image fusion from UAV’s camera feeds.
Required knowledge: Previous experience with Python and ROS2 is essential. Hands-on experience with physical robotic platforms (air, ground or surface robotics) is desirable.
Further information: Widhi Atman (widhi.atman@utu.fi)
As the working language is English, the positions require fluency in both written and spoken English.
We value collegiality and promote equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We encourage all qualified applicants with different backgrounds to apply for our open positions.
Employment details
Duration: 3 months (one or more periods).
Time window: 1.5.2026–30.9.2026 (negotiable)
Salary: The salary is 2 280 euros/month.
Trial period is one month.
Benefits
We offer you responsible and interesting tasks and the opportunity to develop your professional skills in a versatile operating environment. You get a professional and inspiring team to support your work. We take care of your well-being at work and the functionality of your everyday life, e.g. with the help of flexible working hours and our well-being services.
Please read more about University of Turku as an employer from our Come work with us! pages.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted at the latest on Thursday, 26 February, 2026 (16:00) using the electronic application form of the University of Turku.
Please attach your Curriculum Vitae, study transcript and a brief motivation letter. Kindly indicate in your motivation letter which research themes you are primarily interested in, and put them in a priority order.
Research assistant positions in the summer of 2026 are intended primarily for students of the University of Turku. All students at the University of Turku can apply for the summer work positions. Students of the Department of Computing are preferred. The positions are primarily intended for those who have no earlier work experience at the department.
