[alife] [jobs] Last Call: Postdoc position in Robotics and AI at Orebro University

[Alessandro Saffiotti]

======================================================================
  Orebro University, Sweden, seeks a postdoctoral researcher with
  experience in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to work in a
  European project on culturally aware assistive robots.

  Application deadline: February 20, 2017
  Expected starting date: March 2017
======================================================================


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Task Description
----------------------------------------------------------------------

We seek a postdoctoral researcher who will work at the AASS research
center of Orebro University, in the context of the EU project CARESSES.  
The CARESSES project (www.caressesrobot.org) aims to make assistive
robots that are culturally aware, meaning that they adapt to the culture
of their assistee.  The researcher will develop methods for making the
actions and behaviors of the robots consonant to a given cultural
profile, and will implement those methods on real assistive robots.  
The researcher will also work in close collaboration with other partners
within the project.  This includes taking part in extensive user
evaluation campains involving elderly volunteers living in assistive
residences in the UK.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Required Competences
----------------------------------------------------------------------

In order to perform the above tasks, applicants are expected to have a
strong background in Artificial Intelligence, especially in the areas of
knowledge representation and reasoning and of automated planning, as
well as good programming skills.  The appointed researcher must be able
to successfully work in a large international team, and to cope with
project committments and deadlines.  The appointed researcher must also
be willing and available to travel within and ouside the EU, and to
spend extensive periods of time in the UK during the evaluation
campains.  A proven record of working with robots is a plus, as well as
previous experience in human-robot interaction, in user-centered design,
and in user-based evaluation of welfare technologies.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eligibility and Assessment Criteria
----------------------------------------------------------------------

To qualify for this position appplicants must hold a doctoral degree in
Computer Science or related subjects.  The degree must have been awarded
at most three years before the application deadline. Candidates who
obtained a degree earlier may be considered if there are specific
reasons like illness, parental leave, or other similar circumstances.

Applicants should show that that they have the competences needed to
perform this project as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a
scientific environment.  Proficiency in spoken and written English is
necessary.  Special importance will be given to the following additional
criteria:

- The applicant should show evidence of scientific excellence, e.g.,
  impact of conducted research both before and after the obtainment of
  the PhD degree;

- The applicant should show the ability to work within collaborative
  international projects, e.g., experience in previous EU projects.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Application
----------------------------------------------------------------------

The position is a full-time position for a bounded term of two years.  
The salary depends on the successful candidate's qualifications and
experience.  Our ambition is to create a place of work that is
characterised by gender equality and diversity.

Applications must be sent through the Orebro University website here:

  https://www.oru.se/english/working-at-orebro-university/jobs-and-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=2844&rmlang=UK

Applications must include:

* Covering letter
* CV
* An account of research qualifications
* Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references
* Copies of scientific publications (maximum of 10)

The application deadline is February 20, 2017, strict.

Inquiries: Prof Alessandro Saffiotti <asaffio at aass.oru.se>

----------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Host Institution
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Orebro University (www.oru.se) is a modern university which currently
enrolls more than 15,000 students.  It is located in Orebro, a city of
130,000 inhabitants situated in central Sweden.

The Center for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems (AASS, aass.oru.se)
is one of the Strong Research Environments at Orebro University.  It
carries out multi-disciplinary research at the intersection of
robotics and artificial intelligence.  The research and human
environment at AASS is young and enthusiastic. Researchers come from a
dozen different countries and have different scientific and cultural
backgrounds.  AASS frequently hosts international researchers and is
involved in many national and international projects, both in
fundamental and applied research.

AASS is internationally renowned for its research in mobile robotics,
cognitive robotic systems, robot ecologies, assistive technologies,
and artificial olfaction.  The work will be carried out at the
Cognitive Robotic Systems laboratory of AASS.

======================================================================