PostDoc position at GMD

[Uwe R. Zimmer]

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           Post-Doctoral Research Position in

         Autonomous Underwater Robotics Research
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A new postdoctoral position is open at the German National Research Center for
Information Technology (GMD) in St. Augustin, Germany and will be filled at
the earliest convenience.

The institute for Autonomous Intelligent Systems (SET) as based on the
background of autonomous cognitive robotics and system design technologies is
currently setting up autonomous underwater robotics research activities.
Investigated questions are: 

 - How to localize and move in six DoF without global correlation? 
 - Interpretation / integration / abstraction / compression of 
   complex sensor signals? 
 - How to build models of previously unknown environments? 
 - Direct sensor-actuator prediction 
 - How to coordinate multiple loosely coupled robots? 

Real six degrees of freedom, real dynamic environments and real autonomy
(which is required in most setups here), settle these questions in a fruitful
area. The overall goal is of course not 'just' implementing prototype systems,
but to get a better understanding of autonomy, and situatedness. Modeling,
adaptation, clustering, prediction, communication, or - from the perspective
of robotics - spatial and behavioral modeling, localization, navigation, and
exploration are cross-topics addressed in most questions.

Techniques employed in our institute up to now include dynamical systems,
connectionist approaches, behavior-based techniques, rule based systems, and
systems theory. Experiments are based on physical robots (not yet
underwater!). Thus the discussion of experimental setups and particularly the
meaning of embodiment became topics in itself. 

If the above challenges rose your interest, please proceed to our expectations
regarding the ideal candidate: 
         
 - Ph.D. / doctoral degree in computer sciences, electrical 
   engineering, physics, mathematics, biology, or related 
   disciplines. 
 - Experiences in experimenting with autonomous systems 
 - Theoretical foundations in mathematics, control, connectionism, 
   dynamical systems, or systems theory 
 - Interest in joining an international team of motivated 
   researchers 

Furthermore it is expected that the candidate evolves/introduces her/his own
perspective on the topic, and pushes the goals of the whole group at the same
time. 

GMD is an equal opportunity employer. The position is for two years in the
first instance.

For any further information, and applications (including addresses of
referees, two recent publications, and a letter of interest) please contact: 
Uwe R. Zimmer (adress below)

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                                     ____________________________|
    Dr. Uwe R. Zimmer  -  GMD                                 ___|
                    Schloss Birlinghoven                         |
                    53754 St. Augustin, Germany                  |
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          Voice: +49 2241 14 2373 - Fax: +49 2241 14 2384        |
             http://www.gmd.de/People/Uwe.Zimmer/                |