Tenure-track Faculty positions in Computer Science: Robotics, Autonomous Systems, Human-Robot Interaction

Job Title: Assistant Professor in Computer Science
Location: IE University (Madrid, Segovia)
Department: School of Science and Technology
Start Date: September 2025

Position Overview:

IE University’s School of Science and Technology invites applications for a full-time faculty position in Computer Science with a specialization in Robotics. In particular, we seek candidates with expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, and robot vision, who can lead in teaching, research, and innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in control, navigation, and perception, as well as an understanding of emerging trends in topics such as human-robot interaction (HRI) and AR/VR.

We value candidates with the capacity to collaborate in applied research projects led by the Impact Xcelerator at IE School of Science and Technology, specifically in one of the three focus areas: Climate/Energy, Healthcare, or Financial Systems. The ability to contribute to multidisciplinary research initiatives that apply cutting-edge technologies to real-world challenges in these sectors will be key to the role’s success, providing opportunities to work closely with industry partners and stakeholders to drive innovative solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in robotics, including topics such as robot vision, robot learning, control systems, and HRI.
• Lead high-impact research projects in areas such as automation, robot learning, AI-driven control, perception, and navigation, while actively securing competitive research funds.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students on robotics projects.
• Collaborate with industry partners in interdisciplinary projects to develop innovative robot applications and address specific industry challenges, in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, service robotics, smart cities, or autonomous vehicles.
• Play a key role in curriculum development, integrating the latest advancements in robotics, including those in AI, robot ethics, and cobots.
• Participate in academic service and contribute to the strategic growth of the School of Science and Technology.

Required Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in robotics, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in robotics.
• Proven research excellence in autonomous systems, robot control, robot vision, AI for robotics, or HRI.
• A strong publication record in top-tier journals and conferences related to robotics, AI, or autonomous systems.
• Experience designing and teaching high-quality courses in robotics, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and practical applications.
• Proficiency in programming for robotics, such as in ROS (Robot Operating System), Simulink, Python, and C++.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish is desirable but not mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with machine learning applications in robotics, especially for perception, control, or decision-making in autonomous systems.
• Familiarity with robotic simulation environments such as Gazebo or V-REP.
• Proven ability to secure research funding and lead large-scale, multi-disciplinary projects involving academia and industry.
• Interest in the ethical implications of robotics and AI, including issues of robotic autonomy, safety, HRI, and cobots.

We offer:

• A competitive salary in line with top-ranked European academic institutions.
• A generous seed research fund to cover travel, equipment and relocation costs.
• State-of-the-art campus facilities and support to build your lab infrastructure.
• A professional and stimulating international working environment with English as the de facto language.
• Full access to public health services through membership of the National Insurance Scheme plus a discount plan to acquire an additional private health insurance plan.
• Diversity in an open-minded, inclusive and family-friendly environment.
• Inspiring campus life on a conveniently located, state-of-the-art unique campus in the hearts of Madrid and Segovia.

Application Instructions

We will start screening after December 15.  Applications received until this date will be considered for the first round of interviews. 

You may create your dossier and apply at: http://apply.interfolio.com/157856

The position will remain open until it is filled.

Please include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae, a research statement, a statement of teaching philosophy and one confidential recommendation letter. You may include teaching evaluations and sample course syllabi in your dossier. 
Pre-submission inquiries about the open positions may be addressed to Prof. Rafael Ballester Ripoll (Rafael.Ballester@ie.edu).

For general enquiries, contact Sara Flores sara.flores@ie.edu  Associate Director of Faculty Affairs.

About IE University and the School of Science and Technology

IE University is an internationally recognized institution originally founded as a business school. We consider ourselves the most international institution of higher education with approximately 85% of our students coming from outside Spain and typically over 120 countries represented on campus. Our Madrid postgraduate campus is situated in the financial district of this vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city of over 5 million people. In 2021 we opened the IE Tower, standing as one of the 5 towers in the business district of Madrid with a 6000-student capacity.

The School of Science and Technology prepares students with industry relevant skills in the context of STEM and related educational programs. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics and Data analytics. For further information on the current faculty and lines of research, please visit IE Research Datalab (https://www.ie.edu/ieresearchdatalab/). 
The IE Impact Xcelerator offers new faculty the opportunity to participate in applied research labs in collaboration with research groups and companies in fields like healthcare, environmental science, finance, and cybersecurity, profiting from the rich network of the IE Business School.