[alife] Research Fellow in Agent Learning/Adaptation Algorithms

[Daniel Polani]

<Apologies for crossposting>

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

Research Fellowship in Agent/Robot Learning Algorithms

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

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

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

A Research 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 principled
information-theoretic approaches, in the context of robotic agents.

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 learning and adaptation algorithms suitable to run on physical
robots, 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, with emphasis on the areas of probabilistic
modeling, information theory and/or stochastic control. Excellent
programming skills are essential. It is desirable for applicants to
have experience in robot learning, machine learning, or related areas;
experience with robotic software development and relevant frameworks
such as ROS are 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 and ambitious research
project.

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

The postholder will be a member of the Adaptive Systems Research Group
(http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/) at the 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 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: 12. March 2013

-----------------------------------------------------
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