ELLIS Fellow Prof. Justus Piater is a member of the new FWF Emerging Field Comparative Ecological Innovation Styles (CEIS). Together with four partners in cognitive biology and behavioral ecology, all based in Vienna, we will investigate how embodiments, environments and experience give rise to novel problem-solving behaviors in some of the most innovative animals, including parrots, corvids, and great apes. New insights not only will expand our understanding of animal intelligence but will also contribute to the development of robotic systems that act more flexibly and adaptively.

For CEIS Piater's group is hiring one postdoc and one PhD candidate starting 2026-08-15 or as soon as possible thereafter. We will study both intrinsically- and extrinsically-motivated learning of predictive and explanatory models and policies for solving robotic manipulation tasks. The emphasis is on learning abstract concepts of how manipulators, objects, parts and tools interact. (The physical intricacies of sensorimotor manipulation are not our focus.)

In addition we have two open University Assistant positions for PhD candidates starting 2026-09-15. These involve minor teaching requirements but are not attached to any specific project. The research topics are negotiable but will generally be related to CEIS.

The Postdoc position is for up to 5 years, and the PhD positions for up to 4 years.

The monthly gross salaries are based on the FWF salary scale. Note that the monthly gross salary is paid 14 times per year. Furthermore, the university has numerous attractive offers.

• MSc/PhD degree in computer science or other relevant area
• Competitive publication record in relevant areas (postdocs only)
• Excellent academic record
• Strong background in machine learning in the context of robotics
• Strong mathematical and programming skills in Python and ideally also in C++; experience with ROS is a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, team spirit and independent problem-solving skills

In addition, for University Assistant positions, proficiency in written and spoken German is desired (but not mandatory).

E-mail the following to Justus.Piater@uibk.ac.at:

• Motivation letter stating which position(s) you apply for and how your qualifications and interests match them
• CV including your list of publications
• Grade transcripts obtained for BSc and MSc degrees
• Certificates for academic degrees
• Names and contact details of 2 referees

For full consideration, apply by 2026-07-03. Screening for suitable candidates will begin immediately and will continue until all positions have been filled.

The University of Innsbruck offers a complete set of academic curricula and currently counts 28000 students. Founded in 2001, the Department of Computer Science is world class in several research domains and is heavily investing into AI.

Innsbruck is home to 35000 students who imprint a distinctive, international student atmosphere upon this lively city of 130000. Beautifully located in the Tyrolean Alps, on the Inn river and surrounded by summits of up to 2718m, Innsbruck offers outstanding opportunities and quality of life all around the year.

You are welcome to apply for our CS or SE Master programs via our regular admissions process. Our university offers comprehensive information for incoming students.

In Austria, as in most of Europe, Master students are regular students:

• A faculty advisor becomes involved only later, in the context of the Master thesis. There is generally no point contacting potential faculty advisors prior to your admission to our Master program.
• In Austria, university tuition fees are low but you'll have to finance your own subsistence (about 1000 EUR/month).
• Master students do not receive salaries. You cannot generally count on finding employment on or off campus, if your visa even allows it. To avoid surprises check your visa requirements beforehand.