[alife] Research Fellows in Agent Learning/Adaptation Algorithms for Robots

[Daniel Polani]

<apologies for crossposting>

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2 Research Fellowships in Agent/Robot Learning Algorithms

Salary per annum: UH6 - 25,504-30,424 GBP pa 
(depending on qualifications and experience)

Adaptive Systems Research Group (http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/)
School of Computer Science
University of Hertfordshire, UK (www.herts.ac.uk)

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

PROJECT AND REQUIREMENTS
------------------------

Two Research Fellow positions are 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 postholders to pursue research into novel methods
for self-motivated behaviour generation, behaviour anticipation,
intentionality and initiative detection, based on principled
information-theoretic and causality-detection approaches, in the
context of robotic agents.

The CORBYS consortium consists of several European partners in
Germany, UK, Belgium, Spain, Norway and Slovenia. For above tasks, our
team develops algorithms that operate following a novel class of
principles to address above tasks. The research centers on the
development of such algorithms, involving learning and adaptation, and
developing and deploying corresponding software solutions on physical
robots.

Applicants for the positions should have a strong postgraduate degree
(MSc or PhD) in a quantitative research-oriented discipline, examples
would be computer science, mathematics or physics. Applicants should
have strong mathematical background, ideally with emphasis on the
areas of probabilistic modeling, information theory or stochastic
control, alternatively, experience in robot control. Excellent
programming skills are essential to the positions. Experience with
robotic software development and relevant frameworks such as ROS,
and/or running AI algorithms on real-world robots is a plus.
Applicants will have a high degree of motivation and, at the same time
the ability to work both independently and in collaboration with the
other investigators in the group and the project consortium in an
exciting, productive and ambitious research project. This project
offers the unique opportunity to develop bridges between advanced and
principled theoretical AI methods and state-of-the-art robotic devices
in the context of conceptually novel approaches for the interaction
between humans and robots.

FURTHER INFORMATION
-------------------

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

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. St. Albans, a charming English town is located nearby.

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 ending on
31. January 2015. 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.

Note that under current UKBA regulations, the University is unlikely
to be able to get a work permit in respect of this post. We can
therefore only accept applications from people who will have the right
to work in the UK for at least one year from the date of appointment.

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

Closing date: 20. December 2013

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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