Connectionists: [jobs] 3 PhD positions in neural language robotics

[Stefan Wermter]

The Knowledge Technology Research Group at the University of Hamburg
invites applications for three Early Stage Researchers (ESR) within
the Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Training Network "SECURE" -
Safety Enables Cooperation in Uncertain Robotic Environments.

Research area:
The general area is knowledge technology, intelligent systems and
artificial intelligence, in particular neural networks and natural
language processing for safe cognitive robots. There are three
research positions (3 PhD studentships called Early Stage Researcher
positions - ESR) which will be filled in the context of cognitive
robots (Darwin-OP/Nao/Nicu/iCub or related). The ESR focus on the
following topics:

ESR A: A neuro-probabilistic robot interaction model for learning and
inferring safe actions

ESR B: A self-organising neural model for prosodic recognition and
threat sound localisation

ESR C: A deep neural learning model to identify dangerous situations
through spoken language

The positions commence on 1.1.2016 or as soon as the position can
be filled. The term is fixed to three years. They are remunerated at
the salary level in accordance with the regulations for the Early
Stage Researcher (ESR) in EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Innovative
Training Networks (ITN)
(http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal/doc/call/h2020/common/1617603-part_3_msca_v2.0_en.pdf)
and are fulltime positions (39h/week).

Tasks:
Duties include academic services in the project named above.
Research associates can also pursue research and further
academic qualifications.

Requirements:
A university degree in a relevant subject. In particular, at least an
MSc or equivalent in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science or
Engineering with a focus on Intelligent Computing is required.
Excellent programming skills (Python, C++ etc.) are needed and a
background in at least one of neural networks/natural language
processing/robotics would be needed for these positions. The
posts involve traveling within Europe. Each PhD student will be
expected to spend secondments at other European partner sites.

According to EU mobility rules, the ESR researchers must not have
resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in
Germany for longer than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to
their recruitment. Early-Stage Researchers are defined as those who
are, at the time of selection, in the first four years (full-time
equivalent) of their research careers.

The University aims to increase the number of women in research and
teaching and explicitly encourages women to apply. Equally qualified
female applicants will receive preference in accordance with
Hamburgs Higher Education Act (HmbHG).
Severely disabled applicants will receive preference over equally
qualified non-disabled applicants.

Additional Info on the European Training Network SECURE:
SECURE is a new Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Training Network (ETN)
with the primary aim to train a new generation of researchers on safe
cognitive robot concepts for human work and living spaces on the most
advanced humanoid robot platforms available in Europe. The Early-Stage
Research (ESR) fellows will be trained for a PhD through an innovative
concept of project-based learning and constructivist learning in
supervised peer networks where they will gain experience from an
intersectoral programme involving universities, research institutes,
large and SME companies from public and private sectors. The training
domain will integrate multidisciplinary concepts from the fields of
cognitive human-robot interaction, computer science and intelligent
robotics where a new approach of integrating principles of embodiment,
situation and interaction will be pursued to address future challenges
for safe human-robot environments.

In case of questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Wermter,
Head of Knowledge Technology or consult our website at
https://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/wtm/.

Applications should include an application letter, full curriculum
vitae, best publication if applicable, copies of degree certificate(s)
and transcripts.

The application deadline is 1.11.2015.

Please email applications in a single pdf file to:
Ms Katja Koesters, katja.koesters at informatik.uni-hamburg.de

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Professor Dr. Stefan Wermter
Chair of Knowledge Technology
Department of Computer Science, WTM, Building F
University of Hamburg
Vogt Koelln Str. 30
22527 Hamburg, Germany

Email: wermter AT informatik.uni-hamburg.de
http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/~wermter/
http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/WTM/
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