Connectionists: Fully funded Ph.D. position in evolving artificial intelligence (neural networks, robotics, and/or deep learning)

[Jeff Clune]

Hello all,

Please forward this email to anyone who might be interested. 

A fully funded computer science Ph.D. position is available in any of the following areas, especially in combinations of them: evolving artificial intelligence, neural networks, robotics, and deep learning. Postdoctoral positions are also available, but under different funding arrangements (please email jeffclune at uwyo.edu for details). Positions ideally start this coming Spring (January 2014), but alternate start dates, including next fall, are possible. 

I (Jeff Clune) direct the Evolving Artificial Intelligence Lab at the University of Wyoming. The lab focus is on evolving artificial intelligence by producing artificially intelligent robots, including physical robots and agents in simulated worlds. The lab will also study other bio-inspired AI techniques, such as deep learning. Part of these efforts will involve investigating how evolution produced the complex, intelligent, diverse life on this planet by trying to computationally recreate it. A major focus will be on evolving large-scale, structurally organized neural networks (i.e. networks with millions of connections that are modular, regular, and hierarchical).  I am also interested in combining neuroevolution with learning algorithms (Hebbian, neuromodulation, etc.). 

Please see my website (http://JeffClune.com) for example publications, press articles about the work, videos, etc. Here are some keywords that describe related fields: evolutionary algorithms (also known as genetic algorithms or evolutionary computation), neural networks (including evolving neural networks, having them learn, deep learning, and computational neuroscience), robotics, artificial intelligence, and research into the evolution of intelligence, complexity, evolvability, and diversity.

If you are interested in joining the lab or would like more information about the positions, please follow the instructions at http://jeffclune.com/positionsAvailable.html

Here is a video that summarizes my research: http://goo.gl/wA6Fe  
Other videos about my research are here: http://jeffclune.com/videos.html

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a college town in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. Nestled between two mountain ranges, Laramie has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is home to year-round outdoor activities including hiking, camping, rock climbing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, fishing and mountain biking. Laramie is also near many of Colorado's major cities and university communities (e.g. Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver).  

The University of Wyoming is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital, veteran or any other legally protected status.

Best regards,
Jeff Clune

Assistant Professor
Computer Science
University of Wyoming
jeffclune at uwyo.edu
jeffclune.com
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