[alife] Two fully funded Ph.D. positions in evolving artificial intelligence (neural networks, robotics, and/or deep learning)

[Jeff Clune]

**Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested**

Two fully funded Ph.D. positions are available in any of the following
areas, especially in combinations of them: evolving artificial
intelligence, neural networks, robotics, and deep learning.
Postdoctoral positions are also available, but under different funding
arrangements (please email jeffclune at cornell.edu for details).
Positions ideally start January 2013, but applications will be
reviewed until the positions are filled.

I (Jeff Clune) am starting up a new lab at the University of Wyoming
and am seeking two people interested in earning a Ph.D. in computer
science. The lab focus is on evolving artificial intelligence by
producing artificially intelligent robots, including physical robots
and agents in simulated worlds, such as video games. The lab will also
study other bio-inspired AI techniques, such as deep learning. Part of
these efforts will involve investigating how evolution produced the
complex, intelligent, diverse life on this planet by trying to
computationally recreate it. A major focus will be on evolving
large-scale, structurally organized neural networks (i.e. networks
with millions of connections that are modular, regular, and
hierarchical).  I am also interested in combining neuroevolution with
learning algorithms (Hebbian, neuromodulation, etc.)

Please see my website (http://JeffClune.com) for example publications,
press articles about the work, videos, etc. Here are some keywords
that describe related fields: evolutionary algorithms (also known as
genetic algorithms or evolutionary computation), neural networks
(including evolving neural networks, having them learn, deep learning,
and computational neuroscience), robotics, artificial intelligence,
and research into the evolution of intelligence, complexity,
evolvability, and diversity.

If you are interested in joining the lab or would like more
information about the positions, please follow the instructions at
http://jeffclune.com/positionsAvailable.html

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a college town in the
heart of the Rocky Mountain West. Nestled between two mountain ranges,
Laramie has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is home to
year-round outdoor activities including hiking, camping, rock
climbing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, fishing and mountain
biking. Laramie is also near many of Colorado's major cities and
university communities (e.g. Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver).

The University of Wyoming is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy,
sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital, veteran
or any other legally protected status.

Best regards,
Jeff Clune

Visiting Scientist
Cornell University
jeffclune at cornell.edu
jeffclune.com