Postdoc / phd positions

[Tim Pearce]

Sorry for any cross-postings .....

Due to our Personnel Department indulging in the Christmas (alcoholic)
spirit the deadline for applications to guarantee consideration is now
15th Feb. but will remain open until filled!

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

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Computational Neuroscience R&AIA
£17,451 to £26,229 pa Available immediately for 4 years
Ref: R9398/JAU

A postdoctoral researcher is required for a 4-year EC-funded project
available from January 2002. The project concerns the development of
biologically constrained sensory processing models for performing
stereotypical moth-like chemotaxis behaviour in uncertain environments.
We propose to develop biologically-inspired sensor, information
processing and control systems for a c (hemosensing) unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV).  The cUAV will identify and track volatile compounds of
different chemical composition in outdooor environments. Its olfactory
and sensory-motor systems are to be inspired by the moth. This
development continues our research in artificial and biological
olfaction, sensory processing and analysis, neuronal models of learning,
real-time behavioural control, and robotics.  Fleets of cUAVs will
ultimately be deployed to sense, identify, and map the airborne chemical
composition of large-scale environments.  The mobile robotics aspects of
the project will be carried out with the assistance of an associated PhD
studentship position.  Further details on the project and the research
teams can be found at http://www.le.ac.uk/eg/tcp1/amoth/ 

The project includes significant funding and opportunities for travel
within Europe to visit the laboratories of the participating consortia
(in Switzerland, France, and Sweden) and outside Europe to attend
international scientific meetings. 
A strong mathematical and computer modelling background is required in
order to develop a biologically constrained model of the insect antennal
lobe and protocerebellum.  Expertise is required in the area of neuronal
modelling, although not necessarily in the area of olfaction. Good team
skills are also a necessity.

Informal enquiries regarding these positions and the project in general
should be addressed to the project co-ordinator, Dr. T.C. Pearce,
Department of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,
United Kingdom, +44 116 223 1290, t.c.pearce at le.ac.uk 

For Research Associate post, application forms and further particulars
are available from the Personnel Office, tel 0116 252 5114, fax 0116 252
5140, email personnel at le.ac.uk, or via www.le.ac.uk/personnel/jobs.
Closing date:  15 February 2002.

PhD Studentship in Mobile Robotics

A postgraduate researcher is required for a 4-year EC-funded project
available from January 2002. The project concerns the development of an
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) robot to perform stereotypical moth-like
chemotaxis behaviour in uncertain environments. We propose to develop
biologically-inspired sensor, information processing and control systems
for a c (hemosensing) UAV. The cUAV will identify and track volatile
compounds of different chemical composition in outdooor environments.
Its olfactory and sensory-motor systems are to be inspired by the moth,
which will be supported by computational neuroscience model development
conducted by an associated Postdoctoral Research Associate. 

This development continues our research in artificial and biological
olfaction, sensory processing and analysis, neuronal models of learning,
real-time behavioural control, and robotics. Fleets of cUAVs will
ultimately be deployed to sense, identify, and map the airborne chemical
composition of large scale environments. Further details on the project
and the research teams can be found at
http://www.le.ac.uk/eg/tcp1/amoth/.

The project includes significant funding and opportunities for travel
within Europe to visit the laboratories of the participating consortia
(in Switzerland, France, and Sweden) and outside Europe to attend
international scientific meetings. 

A first degree (at the 2(i) level or higher) is required in mathematics,
computer science, physics, or engineering. The student will be
responsible for deploying the chemical sensors on the UAV and designing
interface circuitry, assisting with construction of the UAV, programming
the on board flight systems (incorporating a neuronal model), and
assisting with field trials. Applicants should have a demonstrated
interest in one or more of the following, UAVs, neuroscience, robotics,
and/or artificial intelligence. Good team skills are essential.

The studentship includes a stipend of £12,000 per year for four years
and includes provision for overseas PhD fees although EU nationals may
also apply. For PhD Studentship, applications and informal enquiries
should be addressed to the project co-ordinator, Dr. T.C. Pearce,
Department of Engineering, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH,
United Kingdom, +44 116 223 1290, t.c.pearce at le.ac.uk.  Closing date: 15
February 2002.

--

T.C. Pearce, PhD URL: http://www.leicester.ac.uk/eg/tcp1/

Lecturer in Bioengineering E-mail: t.c.pearce at leicester.ac.uk

Department of Engineering Tel: +44 (0)116 223 1290

University of Leicester Fax: +44 (0)116 252 2619

Leicester LE1 7RH Bioengineering, Transducers and

United Kingdom Signal Processing Group