How To Apply

Applications are Open until 09 February 2026!

Applications are invited for 3 Doctoral Candidate (DC) positions (f,m,d), full-time for the duration of 36 months at the earliest on 09^th February, 2026. These positions are funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN-ID) on Continuous, Automated Validation, and Evaluation of Cognitive Robots in Open-Ended Environments (CAVECORE) within the Horizon Europe Programme, latest until 31st August, 2029.

The CAVECORE network brings together a unique consortium of 10 beneficiaries, comprising 6 academic and 4 non-academic organizations, to deliver a comprehensive, interdisciplinary training programme. This programme integrates scientific, technical, and personal development skills, preparing the next generation of researchers to advance the quality assurance and validation of cognitive robot systems operating in complex, dynamic, and open-ended environments.

The CAVECORE consortium consists of the following partners

University of Bremen, Germany (Positions #9, #11 #15)
University of Bielefeld, Germany (Positions #5, #10)
IT University of Copenhagen, Denmark (Positions #7, #14)
University of York, United Kingdom (Positions #3)
Graz University of Technology, Austria (Positions #8)
Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus (Positions #13)
Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d’Essais (LNE), France (Positions #2, #12)
PAL Robotics, Spain (Positions #1)
EIVA A/S, Denmark (Positions #6)
Cellumation GmbH, Germany (Positions #4)

Research Focus

The overarching goal of CAVECORE is to tackle fundamental challenges in cognitive robotics including:

How can we ensure that cognitive robots can operate safely and reliably in open-ended environments?
How can we validate robot behaviour through trustworthy measurements?
How can we enable continuous, automated validation over extended periods?

Each Doctoral Candidate (DC) will contribute to addressing these key questions, receiving specialized training through a network-wide programme of workshops, schools, and secondments at partner institutions, fostering interdisciplinary expertise and industry engagement.

Available Positions and Research Topics

The CAVECORE network offers 3 DC positions across the following themes:

DC2 - Methodology for Generic Evaluation of Intelligent Collaborative Robotic Systems
DC10 - Integrating Behavioral Specification and Automated Validation for Explainable Autonomy in Collaborative Robotics
DC13 - Multi-modal Uncertainty Quantification and Management of AI

Details about the 3 open PhD positions and the specific requirements for applicants are available at the following link: www.cavecore.eu/phd-topics. Please make sure to consult the DC-specific requirements on the website and feel free to contact the associated advisor for further details.

Benefits and Training

Each DC will be employed on a 36-month full-time contract and will spend a total of 4 months in a mandatory secondment at other CAVECORE partners/beneficiaries, in accordance with the MSCA DN-ID mobility requirements and the training objectives. The programme will provide an attractive salary as per MSCA regulations. All DCs will benefit from a rich programme of local and network-wide training activities, covering scientific, technical, transferable, and entrepreneurial skills.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (MSCA mobility rule). Applicants must be Doctoral Candidates, i.e., at the date of recruitment, not already in possession of a doctoral degree. A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a field relevant to the position (e.g. Robotics, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Cognitive Science, or related disciplines) is typically required.

Documents to be submitted:

Applicants must submit the following documents in English, compiled into one single PDF file (maximum size: 5 MB)

CAVECORE application form (Download Form). In this form, applicants are asked to select from one up to three preferred DC topics and indicate their order of preference.
Full curriculum vitae (including list of publications, if applicable).
Cover letter (1 page) describing previous research experience and current research interests, clearly outlining the fit to the desired PhD topic(s).
One or more reference letters, plus names and contact details of two referees.
Transcripts of grades obtained for B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees, expected final grade (and anticipated graduation date if applicable). The final certificate of M.Sc. degree must be presented upon hiring.
Additional certificates (language certificates, GRE, awards, etc.), if available.

Submission procedure:

For general questions about the personnel selection procedure and for questions about the content of the advertised position, please contact: info@cavecore.eu
Only complete applications submitted in English and compiled into a single PDF file will be considered.
Please send your application with your complete documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, qualification certificates, references) to the following address, quoting the reference “Application CAVECORE DC – [Your Name]” until 09^th of February 2026, 23:00 GMT as a PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: phd-applications@cavecore.eu".
Please note that no photos are to be attached to the application documents.

Your application will be processed jointly by the members of the CAVECORE consortium and handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Important notes

Applications failing to include the requested documentation, that do not indicate the preferred research projects, or that do not meet the eligibility criteria WILL NOT be considered in this competition.

Your application will be processed jointly by the members of the CAVECORE consortium and handled in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Click here for more details.

Selection of Candidates

In case the number of applications exceeds the number of available positions, shortlisted candidates will first be selected based on the fit of their curriculum vitae and research interests with the chosen research project(s). These shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview. Final positions will be offered following approval by the CAVECORE Selection Committee.

Applicants who apply for more than one individual research topic are requested to indicate their order of preference (e.g. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice) in their motivation letter.

This position is open to all candidates, regardless of background. We welcome applications from all individuals.