SECONDMENTS FOR ROBOTICS TALENT
Call for secondments
ROBO-KNOT funds secondments: placements of researchers and R&I support staff from AUTH, JSI and ULUS at robotics organisations in another European country. This page explains how the programme works, who can apply and what we offer.
Positions, dates and application details for the current call are on the 2026-2027 Open Call page.
The next application period opens on 1 November 2026.
What is a secondment?
A secondment is a temporary placement at another organisation in a different European country. You remain employed by your home institution while gaining experience in a new working environment. It is a way to build skills, strengthen collaboration and exchange knowledge across Europe.
Who can apply?
The eligibility criteria below apply to every ROBO-KNOT call.
Who is eligible?
Only researchers and R&I support staff from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) and Lusófona University (ULUS) can apply.
Researchers
- Employed or enrolled at AUTH, JSI or ULUS.
- All career stages (R1-R4) are eligible, with a focus on R1 (doctoral candidates) and R2 (recognised researchers).
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Background in robotics or closely related fields:
- Mechanical Engineering (Robotic Design and Prototyping, Kinematics and Dynamics).
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Sensors and Actuators, Power Systems).
- Computer Science, Software Engineering (AI/ML, Embedded Robotic Control Systems, Computer Vision).
- Mathematics and Theoretical Foundations (Robotic Motion Planning, Optimization, Control Theory).
- Human-Robot Interaction (User Interface Design, Ergonomics, Ethics and Social Implications).
- Autonomous Systems (Autonomous Systems, Multi-Robot Systems, Robotic Simulation and Testing).
- Robotics Applications and Integration (Industrial Robotics, Agriculture Robotics, Mobile Robotics).
- Cybersecurity (Secure Robotic Systems, Privacy).
- Must comply with the mobility requirement and carry out the secondment in another European country.
Research & Innovation Staff
- Administrative, technical or managerial staff employed at AUTH, JSI or ULUS.
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Roles that support research & innovation, such as:
- Knowledge valorisation & tech transfer.
- Entrepreneurship / incubators / accelerators.
- Business development & innovation management.
- Academia-industry liaison & collaboration research facilitation.
- Research policy, IP and legal affairs.
- Project management & funding acquisition.
- Must comply with the mobility requirement and carry out the secondment in another European country.
The positions open to each institution vary from call to call. Check the available positions on the 2026-2027 Open Call page.
Common requirements
- English proficiency at B2 level or above (CEFR).
- Written approval to participate from your line manager or supervisor.
- Ability to undertake a cross-border secondment between independent organisations, including travel and a temporary stay abroad. The full secondment must be carried out from the host’s country, not from your home country or any other country.
- Ability to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and any required travel insurance.
- Willingness to prepare a Personal Career Development Plan and, where relevant, a Return Plan.
- Participation after the secondment in SPIN: Explore and the Robotics Commercialisation Bootcamps (researchers), or in the Innovation Leadership Bootcamp (R&I support staff).
Not sure you meet every requirement?
We still encourage you to apply. ROBO-KNOT values transferable skills, motivation and a strong interest in the opportunity.
What we offer
Funded international secondments
- Researchers: 3-5 months, which may be split into stays of at least 6 weeks with the same host organisation.
- R&I support staff: 1-2 months, which may be split into up to 4 separate stays.
- Training after your secondment: Researchers take part in SPIN: Explore and the Robotics Commercialisation Bootcamps. R&I support staff take part in the Innovation Leadership Bootcamp. See the details below.
What costs are covered?
ROBO-KNOT provides financial support for travel and living costs during the secondment:
- Up to €1,500 per month for travel and subsistence costs.
- An additional monthly allowance.
- The exact payment arrangements — including per diem, reimbursement rules, advances and allowances — depend on each institution’s internal procedures.
Selected candidates will be informed of the full financial conditions before confirming their secondment.
Your secondment timeline
What to expect if you apply to the 2026-2027 Open Call, from your application to your return home.
Apply
Choose your position(s) and send your application by 1 February 2027 (23:59 CET).
Evaluation & interviews
Eligibility check, evaluation by the Talent Selection Committee and interviews with potential hosts.
Results
You are informed of the outcome and the next steps to confirm your secondment.
Personal Development Plan
Prepared with your home institution and host, and finalised at least one month before your secondment starts.
Secondment
Earliest from 1 May 2027. Start dates are agreed between you, your home institution and your host. You need to return home by 30 November 2027 the latest.
Skills development
Researchers: SPIN: Explore and the Robotics Commercialisation Bootcamps. R&I support staff: the Innovation Leadership Bootcamp. See the trainings ↓
Skills development after your secondment
Your secondment is only the start. When you return, ROBO-KNOT continues with dedicated training delivered with 28DIGITAL and our host partners, so you can turn what you learned abroad into impact at your home institution. Taking part is part of the programme for every secondee.
For researchers, the training focuses on the commercial potential of research: intellectual property, startups, licensing and working with industry and investors. It is the right fit if you want to explore where your research could go beyond the lab.
Read more about training before, during and after the secondment on the Skills development page.
For researchers
SPIN: Explore
An introduction to the journey from lab to market, designed for researchers, with as little business jargon as possible.
- Fundamentals of entrepreneurship
- Market potential of deep tech
- IP and IPR strategies
- Presenting research to non-scientific audiences
- Innovation readiness: team, customers, funding, business model
Robotics Commercialisation Bootcamps
A hands-on week on bringing robotics innovations to market, together with the other seconded researchers.
- Design thinking and prototyping
- Market analysis and customer discovery
- IP strategies for AI and robotics
- Funding and meetings with investors and industry
For R&I support staff
Innovation Leadership Bootcamp
A week with 28DIGITAL experts and external speakers to strengthen your role in knowledge valorisation and partnerships at your institution.
- Market research for your institution's technologies
- Venture capital, investors and EU funding
- Leading industry partnerships and agreements
- Roundtables on technology transfer in robotics
- A Europe-wide community of R&I professionals
Past open call
Open Call 1 ran from 19 December 2025 to 28 February 2026 and is now closed. See its positions, timeline and info session materials.
View Open Call 1 →Get in Touch with Us
Contact the ROBO-KNOT Team
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about the ROBO-KNOT project, want to learn more about our initiatives, or are interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out. Our team is here to assist you and provide the information you need.
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