Fully Funded PhD positions in Robotics and AI at NTUA/ECE and HERON (Starting Academic Year 2026-27)

The Hellenic Robotics Center of Excellence HERON (heron-robotics-coe.eu) and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA – ntua.gr/en) are offering fully funded PhD positions in advanced robotics and artificial intelligence research.

Research Areas

We invite applications in the following research topics:

  1. Theoretical Methods and Algorithms for Deep Learning with Geometric Reasoning
  2. Embodied Artificial Intelligence for Robot Perception and Multimodal Learning
  3. Multi-sensor Perception and Learning with Applications to Automated Environments
  4. Cognitive Robotic Systems for Human Assistance and Rehabilitation
  5. Surgical Telerobotics and Haptics
  6. Robot-Assisted Surgery: Methods and Technologies for Non-Intrusive Navigation and Guidance
  7. Autonomous Navigation for Outdoor Field Robotic Vehicles
  8. Robot Learning and Intelligent Control in Dexterous, Agile and Collaborative Robotics
  9. Methodologies and Algorithms for the Control of Assist-as-Needed Robotic Rehabilitation Systems
  10. Methodologies and Algorithms for Increasing the Level of Autonomy in Robotically Assisted Surgery

Supervisory Team

  • Prof. Petros Maragos (Director of HERON) – maragos@cs.ntua.gr
  • Prof. Costas Tzafestas – ktzaf@cs.ntua.gr
  • Assist. Prof. Panagiotis Vartholomeos – pvarthol@mail.ntua.gr

What We’re Looking For

Ideal Candidates possess:

  • Strong academic background in Electrical and Computer Engineering or related fields
  • Passion for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of Robotics and AI
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities and research aptitude
  • Programming experience and genuine interest in robotics
  • Strong work ethic and enthusiasm for collaborative, cross-disciplinary research
  • Motivation to work in an international research environment

What We Offer

Research Environment: Join an international, collaborative research community working alongside established researchers in robotics and AI. Benefit from:

  • Strong industrial partnerships
  • Opportunities for international research stays
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources
  • Mentorship from leading experts in the field

Funding: These positions are fully funded PhD scholarships and research assistantships provided by HERON.

How to Apply

Official Application: Visit the formal announcement at the NTUA School of Electrical and Computer Engineering:
https://www.ece.ntua.gr/el/announcementDetails/1a7dce71-790a-11f1-a8ea-000c296d8b20  (announcement in Greek)

For Inquiries: Contact us at phd@heron-robotics-coe.eu for questions about the PhD positions and application process.