Connectionists: Research Assistant/Fellows in Agent Learning/Adaptation Algorithms

[d.polani@herts.ac.uk]

I apologize in advance for crossposting the following announcement:

RESEARCH ASSISTANT/FELLOWS IN AGENT LEARNING/ADAPTATION ALGORITHMS
------------------------------------------------------------------

Adaptive Systems Research Group
School of Computer Science 
University of Hertfordshire, UK

http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/

Research Assistantships/Fellowships in Agent Learning/Adaptation
Algorithms 

Salary: £18,643-£21,565/£25,001-£29,853 per annum
(depending on level, qualifications and experience)

The positions are full-time, and they are based on a fixed-term
contract for up to 48 months.

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

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

Two postgraduate/postdoctoral Research Assistant/Fellow posts are
available in the EU Framework VII funded project CORBYS (Cognitive
Control Framework for Robotic Systems). As part of a European project,
these full-time research post will allow the postholders to pursue
research into novel methods for self-motivated behaviour generation,
behaviour anticipation, intentionality and initiative detection, based
on recently developed, highly promising principled approaches. A
successful postgraduate applicant will have the opportunity to pursue
research towards a PhD.

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, based on existing methodologies and research
expertise by the project team.

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, ideally in the areas of probabilistic
modeling, information theory and/or dynamic systems. Excellent
programming skills are essential. It is desirable (but not required)
for applicants to have experience in robot learning, machine learning,
or related areas. Applicants are highly motivated and able to work
both independently as well as in collaboration with the other
investigators in the group and the project consortium in an exciting
and ambitious research project. This includes preparation of
publications as well as presentations at international conferences.

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

The postholders will be members of the Adaptive Systems Research Group
(http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/) at the School of Computer Science
of the University of Hertfordshire 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, including work on principled
mathematical methods to construct biologically inspired models for
Artificial Intelligence, cognitive embodied systems and Artificial
Life.

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 positions are 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 for up to
48 months. The positions are 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, see also
http://web-apps.herts.ac.uk/uhweb/apps/hr/research-vacancies.cfm. The
above website contains additional information about the post.

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 the total duration of the contract. 

CV, list of publications (especially for the research fellowship) and
research summary (in Word or PDF format) are to be emailed to
jobs at herts.ac.uk. Applicants should also arrange for 2 references to
be sent to the Human Resources Department by the closing date.

Closing Date: 3 February 2011 

Quote Reference: 003208

For informal inquiries please contact Dr. Daniel Polani
(d.polani at herts.ac.uk).