World Models, Predictive Control and Foundation Models for Robotics

The Intelligent Manipulation Lab is recruiting a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team in January 2026. This position, hosted in collaboration with the University of Sheffield, offers access to an outstanding research environment, state-of-the-art robotic platforms, and industrial partnerships in the UK and internationally.

We seek candidates with strong mathematical and programming backgrounds who are passionate about conducting world-leading research in robotic manipulation, physical interaction, and AI for embodied intelligence.

Research Focus:

Research Topics May Include:

• Vision- and tactile-based prediction models for physical interaction
• Action-conditioned tactile forecasting and slip prediction
• Multi-modal integration for robust control in contact-rich tasks
• Reinforcement learning, MPC, and active exploration for manipulation
• Integration of large vision-language models (VLMs) in robotic planning

You will work alongside a team with a strong track record of high-impact research, including recent publications in Nature Machine Intelligence, IEEE ICRA, IROS, RA-L, Robotics Science and Systems (RSS), Journal of Field Robotics, Springer Autonomous Robots, and Conference on Robot Learning (CoRL).

Candidate Profile:

Essential Requirements:

• First-class or upper second-class honours (1st or 2:1) undergraduate degree, or MSc with Merit/Distinction in a relevant field (e.g., Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Engineering)
• Excellent background in mathematics (linear algebra, probability, control, optimisation)
• Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch, ROS)
• Demonstrated motivation to conduct research in robotics and AI

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with real robots (Franka Emika, UR5, tactile sensors)
• Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS)
• Publications or strong thesis/project work in AI/robotics
• Experience in reinforcement learning, video/tactile prediction, or MPC

Funding and Eligibility:

The studentship covers home (UK) tuition fees and a tax-free stipend aligned with UKRI rates. Exceptional international students with strong academic records (Distinction/Merit at MSc and 1st class BSc) and part-funding to cover fee differences are encouraged to apply and will be considered competitively.

Why Join Us?

You will be embedded in a vibrant research ecosystem at the University of Sheffield, with access to:

• Sheffield Robotics and the CMI Theme in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• World-class robotic platforms, including Franka Emika, UR5, and Xela tactile sensors
• Opportunities for collaboration with leading UK and international industry partners
• Support for publishing in top venues and career development

Application Instructions

To express interest, please email the following to intel.manipulation.lab@gmail.com:

• Your CV (including academic qualifications, technical skills, and publications)
• A brief statement of research interests (max 1 page)
• [Optional but encouraged] A sample of your technical writing or publication

Application deadline: Rolling basis – early applications are strongly encouraged.

Contact: Dr. Amir Ghalamzan Esfahani

Email: intel.manipulation.lab@gmail.com

Lab website: intmanlab.com

YouTube: Intelligent Manipulation Lab -- Open Robotic Lab

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