Postdoctoral position in Human–Robot Interaction in healthcare: from experimental setups to sustainable collaboration

Join Aalborg University in advancing research on human–robot interaction and collaboration in healthcare. At the Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Sustainability and Planning, we invite applications for a postdoctoral position focusing on how human-robot interaction can move from experimental setups to sustainable collaboration in real-world healthcare practice. The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of real-world human-robot interaction in close collaboration with healthcare professionals and interdisciplinary research environments across Aalborg University.

The position is a full-time, temporary position (37 hours per week) for a period of 3 years, with an expected start date of 1 September 2026 or soon hereafter.

Your work tasks

The postdoctoral project addresses a central challenge in human-robot interaction research: how to conceptualise, design, and sustain meaningful forms of human-robot collaboration in complex healthcare environments. While robotic systems often demonstrate promising capabilities in controlled laboratory settings, their integration into real-world healthcare practice remains limited, as such systems must align with professional practices, organisational structures, and existing infrastructures.

Building on insights from ethnographic studies of robot use in healthcare, which have shown how human-robot collaboration is shaped by the interplay between human actors, technological systems, work practices, and organisational and infrastructural conditions, the project investigates how these relations can develop into sustainable and meaningful forms of collaboration in practice. In particular, the project aims to move beyond understanding why integration is challenging, towards identifying how human-robot collaboration can be actively shaped and supported over time through design, implementation, and organisational alignment.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct empirical research in healthcare settings in close collaboration with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. The research will be based on ethnographically inspired and participatory approaches, including interviews, observations, and workshops, focusing on how robotic technologies are introduced, used, and adapted in practice, and how collaboration evolves over time.

In addition to research activities, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish in leading international journals and conferences, contribute to the development of new research proposals and external funding applications, and participate in teaching and supervision activities within the Techno-Anthropology programme at Aalborg University.

Your competencies

Applicants should have a strong interest in human–robot interaction and collaboration and in the role of emerging technologies in healthcare. The successful candidate is expected to have a background that enables them to investigate the relations between humans, technologies, and the organisational and infrastructural contexts in which they are embedded.

We expect applicants to hold a PhD in a relevant field such as techno-anthropology, science and technology studies, human-computer interaction, human-robot interaction, digital health, anthropology, sociology, or a related discipline. Experience with qualitative and ethnographic research methods is required, and experience with participatory approaches and research in healthcare or organisational settings will be considered an advantage.

The ideal candidate is motivated to work in interdisciplinary research environments and is interested in collaborating with researchers across different fields as well as with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. We expect the candidate to demonstrate curiosity, independence, initiative, and a strong drive to develop and carry out research that contributes to advancing the field.

Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required, as the position is embedded in an international research environment. Danish language skills are considered an advantage, particularly in relation to empirical work and teaching, but are not a requirement.

Qualification requirements

Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

Who we are

The postdoctoral researcher will join the Techno-Anthropology and Participation (TAPAR) research group at the Department of Sustainability and Planning at Aalborg University. TAPAR is an interdisciplinary research environment working at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and society, with a particular focus on digital health.

Within TAPAR, researchers study how digital technologies are developed, implemented, and used in healthcare practice. Through socio-technical and participatory research approaches, the group investigates how technologies work in context and how they shape - and are shaped by - human practices, organisational processes, and infrastructures. The group also engages with philosophy of technology and technology assessment, addressing broader questions about human–technology relations and the societal implications of emerging technologies.

The research environment combines empirical studies of technologies in practice with conceptual and critical perspectives and works closely with healthcare organisations and other stakeholders. Researchers in the group collaborate across disciplines and faculties at Aalborg University.

In addition, the postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Human-Robot Interaction Lab at Aalborg University, an interdisciplinary research lab spanning multiple faculties and dedicated to studying human-robot interaction and collaboration in real-world settings.

The position is part of a broader interdisciplinary research initiative conducted jointly with the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate closely with two PhD fellows working on complementary technical and socio-technical aspects of human–robot interaction within the same overall research framework. The postdoc will play an important role in developing and connecting empirical and conceptual insights across cases and levels of analysis, contributing to and strengthening the overall research agenda on sustainable human–robot collaboration in healthcare.

How to apply

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?

If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information

Read more about our recruitment process here.

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.