Connectionists: Research Fellow in Agent Learning and Adaptation

[Daniel Polani]

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	   RESEARCH FELLOW IN AGENT LEARNING AND ADAPTATION

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

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UH7 - 32,004-38,183 GBP pa depending on qualifications and experience
Fixed-term contract until 31. December 2018
FTE: Full-time, working 37 hours per week.

A Research Fellow position is available in the EU Horizon 2020 funded
project socSMCs (Socializing Sensorimotor Contingencies). As a part of
a European project, this full-time research post will allow the
postholder to pursue research into novel methods for novel
information-theoretic entrainment and synchronization measures,
applying them bottom-up social sensorimotor dynamics, and using
information theory to implement interpretable (existing and
yet-to-develop) analytic tools for the study of the dynamics on
simulated systems, as well as its deployment and testing on robotic
hardware. The research centers on the development of such algorithms,
involving learning and adaptation, and developing and deploying
corresponding software solutions on physical robots.

The development of the algorithms and software as well as learning and
adaptation algorithms suitable to run on physical robots forms a
central part in the research.  

Applicants for the posts should have a strong postgraduate degree (MSc
or PhD) in a quantitative research-oriented discipline, examples are
computer science, mathematics or physics. Applicants should have
strong mathematical background, with emphasis on probabilistic
modeling, information theory, stochastic control, or robot
control. Excellent programming skills are essential. Experience with
robotic software development and relevant frameworks such as ROS, or
developing and deploying AI algorithms on real-world robots is a
plus. Applicants will have a high degree of motivation and, at the
same time the ability to work both independently and in collaboration
with the other investigators in the group.

The envisaged research will take place in the vibrant, enthusiastic
and enterprising research environment of the Adaptive Systems Research
Group in the School of Computer Science at the University of
Hertfordshire; there will also be the chance to collaborate with the
WiMUST (Widely Scalable Mobile Underwater Sonar Technology) EU Horizon
2020 project, as well as the School's successful humanoid robot
RoboCup team, the Bold Hearts, and other projects at the School.

The school offers a large number of specialized and interdisciplinary
seminars as well as general training opportunities. Research in
Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been
recognized as excellent by the latest Research Assessment Exercise,
with 50% of the research submitted being rated as internationally
excellent or world leading.

The University of Hertfordshire is located in Hatfield, Hertfordshire
UK which is considered the "northern green belt" of London. Hatfield
is close to London (less than 25 minutes by direct train to Kings
Cross), has convenient access to Stansted, Luton and Heathrow
airports, and, via the nearby historic town of St. Albans, also to
Gatwick airport.

Apply e.g. via:
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http://www.herts.ac.uk/contact-us/jobs-and-vacancies/research-vacancies,
click "View Research Vacancies", and select "Research Fellow in Agent
Learning and Adaptation", Job Ref.: 014732.

Contact for informal inquiries: 
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Prof. Dr. Daniel Polani (E-mail: d.polani at herts.ac.uk) 
Web: http://homepages.herts.ac.uk/~comqdp1/
Adaptive Systems Research Group: http://adapsys.feis.herts.ac.uk/  

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 at least one year from the date of appointment.