CB: 68494
The Department of Advanced Robotics at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (an English-language research institute) is seeking to appoint a well-motivated full-time postdoctoral researcher in the area of machine learning applied to robotics in general, and in particular to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV).
The successful candidate will join an ongoing research project funded by the European Commission under FP7 in the category Cognitive Systems and Robotics called "PANDORA" (Persistent Autonomy through learNing, aDaptation, Observation and ReplAnning) which started in January 2012. The project is a collaboration of five leading universities and institutes in Europe: Heriot Watt University (UK), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italy), University of Girona (Spain), King’s College London (UK), and National Technical University of Athens (Greece). Details about the project can be found at:
http://persistentautonomy.com/
The accepted candidate will contribute to the development and experimental validation of novel reinforcement learning and imitation learning algorithms for robot control, as well as their specific application to autonomous underwater vehicles. The research will be conducted at the Department of Advanced Robotics within the “Learning and Interaction Group” (http://www.iit.it/en/advr-labs/learning-and-interaction.html) with project leader Dr. Petar Kormushev (http://kormushev.com/).
The research work will include conducting experiments with two different AUVs (Girona 500 and Nessie V) in water tanks in Spain and UK in collaboration with the other project partners. The developed machine learning algorithms can also be applied to other robots available at IIT, such as the compliant humanoid robot COMAN, the hydraulic quadruped robot HyQ, the humanoid robot iCub, two Barrett WAM manipulator arms, and a KUKA LWR arm robot.
Application Requirements:
- PhD degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or Engineering
- Excellent publication record
- Strong competencies in: machine learning, reinforcement learning, imitation learning
- Good programming skills, preferably in MATLAB and C/C++
- Experience in robot control and ROS is a plus
International applications are encouraged. The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term project collaboration contract for the remaining duration of the project due to end in December 2014 with a highly-competitive salary which will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Expected starting date is as soon as possible, preferably before September 1st, 2013.
Application Procedure:
To apply please send a detailed CV, a list of publications, a statement of research interests and plans, degree certificates, grade of transcripts, contact information of at least two referees, and other supporting materials such as reference letters to: Dr. Petar Kormushev ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), quoting [PANDORA-PostDoc] in the email subject. For consideration, please apply by June 21st, 2013.
The Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – IIT – was established in 2005 and successfully created the large scale infrastructure in Genova, a network of 10 state of the art laboratories countrywide, recruited an international staff of about 1000 people from more than 50 countries. IIT's research endeavour focuses on high-tech and innovation, representing the forefront of technology with possible application from medicine to industry, computer science, robotics, life sciences and nanobiotechnologies.
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Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks diversity in the workforce.
