As part of a new multi-institutional, interdisciplinary national centre for data science and AI funded by Research Ireland, I am looking to recruit a new PhD beginning in Autumn 2026. 

Project Title: Gestural Entrainment: The Social Impact of Temporal and Magnitude Alignment

Recent adaptive frameworks emphasize the need for "consistency" across verbal and non-verbal modalities. However, the specific alignment of gesture magnitude and frequency (mimicry) between a robot and a human remains under-explored in its effect on long-term rapport. In light of this, the current research project will ask to what extent does a robot’s subtle alignment with a human partner’s gestural tempo and magnitude (entrainment) enhance perceived empathy without falling into the "Uncanny Valley"? To investigate this we will look a the evaluation of "Interactional Synchrony" using humanoid robots that dynamically scale their gesture intensity based on real-time human motion tracking. Metrics would include self-reported rapport, social presence, and physiological markers of engagement. While the work will primarily target dyadic interaction, we will also consider issues of consistency of persona and presence in multi-person contexts. The key output of this work will be design guidelines for "naturalness" in social robots that prioritizes behavioural alignment over purely generative variety.

A Cohort Based PhD Training Programme:

Alongside their individual PhD research, students will benefit from a structured, cohort-based PhD training programme. This programme will include transferable skills training (e.g., communication skills, ethics, and entrepreneurship), group activities (e.g., hackathons and spin-out sprints), training on domain-specific topics (e.g., machine learning, statistics, data management, programming, qualitative and digital policy methods), and peer-led learning opportunities (e.g., research seminars, peer-designed workshops, and reading groups). Dedicated career and skills development activities will also be offered.

Students will benefit from extensive engagement with industry and public service partners and from an enrichment experience e.g., industry training placements, an academic research visit to an internationally renowned collaborating institution, or other similar activities. This experience will equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in academia, industry, and public service. 

About TU Dublin

This project will be hosted at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), Ireland’s first technological university. With a prestigious legacy dating back to 1887, TU Dublin has evolved from its historic predecessor institutions into a powerhouse of applied innovation and a central pillar of the Irish research landscape. The university specializes in high-impact, industry-linked projects designed to address complex societal challenges. Building on a long history of collaboration with national research centers - including ADAPT, Connect, and various Centres for Research Training (CRTs) - TU Dublin launched the Research Ireland ARC (Accelerating Research to Commercialisation) Hub in ICT in 2025. This initiative effectively bridges the gap between academic discovery and market-ready digital solutions, seamlessly integrating the university’s rich heritage with future-focused technological excellence.

Funding:

Studentships provide a stipend of €25,000 per year for four years (tax free) with additional funds available to support e.g., conference attendance and training activities. Fees for EU students will be covered automatically, while non-EU students will receive a fee waiver from TU Dublin.

Application process:

I am activly recruiting for this position to begin in Autumn 2026. Interested candidates can contact me directly (see below for further details -- please include a CV in any email). Formal Applications should then be submitted here before June 14th 2026 specifically mentioning me as having been spoken with and TU Dublin as the targetted institution. Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place in June with decisions soon after. 

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.

Due to the large number of applications received, only applicants invited to interview will receive an email response.

Please note that applicants who are invited to interview and are successful, will have to subsequently formalize their application to TU Dublin meeting TU Dublin requirements. 

For further information, please contact robert.ross@tudublin.ie .

In addition to this specific project, TU Dublin is also recruiting several other PhDs to begin in the Autumn of 2026 which are listed here:

https://sites.google.com/view/tu-dublin-phd-2026/home