Head of the Department of Robotic Machine Perception

Position Title:             Head of the Department of Robotic Machine Perception (RMP)

Type of position:         Academic position

Position Location:       Prague, Czech Republic                                       

Salary Scale:               based on qualifications in accordance with “Salary Regulation of CTU”

Bonuses:                     8 weeks of vacation, flexible work schedule    

Starting Date:              1. 1. 2026 or later

Appl. Deadline:           30. 11. 2025

Description

The Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics is seeking a visionary Department Leader for Robotic Machine Perception to guide our world-class team of researchers and Ph.D. students consisting of approximately 50 people. The Department Leader candidate will be a proven scientific leader with a Ph.D. in a related field, a minimum of 10 years’ post-doctoral research experience, a strong record of high-impact publications, grant acquisition, and cooperation with industry. The Department Leader will be responsible for defining the department's strategic direction, managing day-to-day operations, and mentoring a team of top-tier talent. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team at the forefront of robotic, computer vision, and machine learning innovation, drive cutting-edge research, and build crucial relationships with industry partners and funding agencies.

We are looking for an individual with deep technical expertise in machine perception and autonomous robotics, a strong network within the research community, and a passion for talent development. In this role, you will be the key representative of our department, leading both scientific and operational excellence. We offer a competitive compensation package and a stimulating, collaborative environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

Requirements

Applicants should meet the following qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Systems and Control, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Biocybernetics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of ten years of experience as a postdoctoral researcher, Assistant Professor, or equivalent, including experience gained outside the Czech Republic.
• Proven excellence in scientific research, demonstrated by publications in international, peer-reviewed conferences and/or journals
• Strong motivation to pursue and implement an independent research vision within CIIRC’s environment.
• Collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills and an eagerness to identify and leverage synergies within CIIRC and its network.
• Experience in securing external funding.

Research Environment

The Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) represents the foremost technical university in the Czech Republic. The Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics (CIIRC, established in 2013 and financed with EUR 138 mil. from ESIF and national sources) is a modern research institute at CTU that concentrates on cutting-edge research in the fields of computer science, robotics, cybernetics, AI and related areas (bioinformatics, assistive technologies, computational biomedicine, neuroinformatics, etc.). Currently, the institute has 8 research departments complemented by specialized centers such as Testbed for Industry 4.0, RICAIP Centre - Research and Innovation Centre on Advanced Industrial Production (www.ricaip.eu), National Centre for Industry 4.0 (NCI4.0) and Centre of City of the Future (CCF).

The Institute is involved in the most prominent European networks on AI (such as CAIRNE and ELLIS initiatives, and H2020/HE projects TAILOR, VISION, ELISE and ELIAS) and is a home institute of outstanding researchers, (alphabetically): R. Babuska (robotics), Z. Hanzalek (scheduling and optimization), V. Hlavac (vision, robotics), V. Kucera (systems and control), L. Lhotska (AI, biomedical engineering, human-machine interaction), T. Pajdla (vision, robotics, geometry), J. Sedivy (NLP, learning), J. Sivic (vision, learning, robotics, AI for science), O. Stepankova (biomedical engineering), J. Urban (AI, reasoning). The research groups are international and English is the official language at CIIRC. Foreign researchers, postdocs, graduate students, and interns at CIIRC represent a diverse international community, coming from countries including the USA, France, Japan, the Netherlands, and others.

CIIRC is situated in a modern building opened in 2017, located near Prague Castle and the city center, with easy access to Prague Václav Havel Airport. The institute is equipped with large computational infrastructure, robots, an industrial testbed, and other state-of-the-art research facilities.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and attracts millions of tourists every year. It has the highest Quality of Living Worldwide ranking among Eastern European cities and over 160,000 foreign residents. It boasts a rich history and culture, a long tradition of university education and scientific research, and a dynamic economy. The cost of living in Prague is approximately half that of Amsterdam, Paris, or New York. According to the 2023 Global Peace Index, the Czech Republic ranks as the 12th most peaceful and safe country in the world.

Information and application

To apply, please send an application with the subject line “RMP Head at CIIRC” to Drabkova, Marcela: Marcela.Drabkova@cvut.cz. Your application should include:

• A detailed CV
• A motivation letter
• A description of your research plans and teaching experience
• Electronic copies of your top three publications
• Contact details for at least three references

Data Sharing Consent

By submitting your application, you agree that your personal data, CV, and supporting documents can be shared within CIIRC-CTU for evaluation. Your personal data will be handled in accordance with the GDPR, and you can request access, correction, or deletion at any time by contacting Marcela.Drabkova@cvut.cz.

Source: Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics