[alife] Research Assistant/Fellow in Agent Learning/Adaptation Algorithms

[Daniel Polani]

RESEARCH ASSISTANT/FELLOW IN AGENT LEARNING/ADAPTATION ALGORITHMS
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Adaptive Systems Research Group http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/
School of Computer Science
University of Hertfordshire, UK (www.herts.ac.uk)

Research Assistantship/Fellowship in Agent Learning/Adaptation Algorithms

Salary per annum: UH6 - 25,251-30,122 GBP pa 
(depending on level, qualifications and experience)

Contact for informal inquiries: 
Dr. Daniel Polani (E-mail: d.polani at herts.ac.uk)

PROJECT AND REQUIREMENTS
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A Research Assistant/Fellow post is available in the EU Framework VII
funded project CORBYS (Cognitive Control Framework for Robotic
Systems). As a part of a European project, this full-time research
post will allow the postholder to pursue research into novel methods
for self-motivated behaviour generation, behaviour anticipation,
intentionality and initiative detection, based on recently developed,
highly promising principled approaches. A successful postgraduate
applicant will have the opportunity to pursue research towards a PhD.

The CORBYS consortium consists of several European partners in
Germany, UK, Belgium, Spain, Norway and Slovenia. The University of
Hertfordshire team is involved in the development of novel algorithms
for above tasks. The development of the algorithms and software as
well as suitable learning and adaptation algorithms, based on previous
research expertise by the project team, forms a central part in the
research.

Applicants for the post should have a strong postgraduate degree (MSc
or PhD) in a quantitative research-oriented discipline, such as
computer science, mathematics or physics. The post requires strong
mathematical background, ideally in the areas of probabilistic
modeling, information theory and/or dynamic systems. Excellent
programming skills are essential. It is desirable (but not required)
for applicants to have experience in robot learning, machine learning,
or related areas. Applicants will have a high degree of motivation
and, at the same time the ability to work both independently as well
as in collaboration with the other investigators in the group and the
project consortium in an exciting and ambitious research project.

FURTHER INFORMATION
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The postholder will be a member of the Adaptive Systems Research Group
(http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/) at University of Hertfordshire in
the School of Computer Science which includes more than 30 research
staff members (postdocs and PhD students). The Adaptive Systems
Research Group is an enthusiastic, vibrant and highly innovative
multidisciplinary research group with an excellent international
research track record, which includes work on principled mathematical
methods to construct biologically inspired models for Artificial
Intelligence, cognitive embodied systems and Artificial Life.

Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has
been recognized as excellent by the latest Research Assessment
Exercise, with 55% of the research submitted being rated as world
leading or internationally excellent. The University of Hertfordshire
itself ranks 27th in England for post-2008 RAE-funding in Computer
Science and Informatics. The university is located in Hatfield, less
than 25 minutes by train from London Kings Cross and with convenient
access to Stansted, Luton and Heathrow airports and, via St. Albans
Thameslink, also to Gatwick airport.

The position is full-time. The work will be based at University of
Hertfordshire and may include short stays at European partner
institutions. The position is based on a fixed-term contract for up to
24 months. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

CONTACT AND APPLICATION
-----------------------

All formal applications must be made via the Human Resources
Department at University of Hertfordshire:
http://web-apps.herts.ac.uk/uhweb/apps/hr/research-vacancies.cfm

The above website will allow potential applications to find out more
information about the post, including a detailed job and person
specification. Please consult this website in order to evaluate your
suitability for the post.

For other informal inquiries related to the post please contact Dr.
Daniel Polani (d.polani at herts.ac.uk).

Closing date: 9. December 2012

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Dr. Daniel Polani
Reader in Artificial Life
Adaptive Systems Research Group
The University of Hertfordshire, School of Computer Science
College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
URL: http://homepages.feis.herts.ac.uk/~comqdp1
E-mail: d.polani at herts.ac.uk
Fax: +44-1707-284-303  Tel: +44-1707-284-380