Connectionists: One Research Associate and 2 funded Ph.D. positions on the evolution of neural learning and plasticity

[Andrea Soltoggio]

Dear connectionists,

One Research Associate and two funded Ph.D. positions are available at the
Computer Science Department, School of Science, Loughborough University,
UK, on the topics of the evolution of lifelong learning in neural networks.

Research.  The aim is to develop new neuroevolution algorithms for lifelong
learning. The objectives are to devise machine learning systems that
autonomously adapt to changing conditions such as variation of the data
distribution, variation of the problem domain or parameters, with minimal
human intervention. The approach will use neuroevolution, neuromodulation,
and other methodologies to continuously discover and update learning
strategies, implement selective plasticity, and achieve continual learning.

For an overview of the research direction, see the paper: Born to Learn:
the Inspiration, Progress and Future of Evolved Plastic Artificial Neural
Networks

https://arxiv.org/abs/1703.10371

or a recent press release by HRL:
http://www.hrl.com/news/2018/07/19/stellar-system-will-enable-autonomous-systems-to-learn-for-life

Application areas include a variety of automation and machine learning
problems, e.g. vision, control, and robotics, with a particular focus on
resilience and autonomy.

Working environment. The research associate and Ph.D. students, based at
the Computer Science Department, will work in an international team with
opportunities for collaboration and travel. They will have access to a
number of robotic platforms such as mobile and flying robots, manufacturing
robots, High Performance Computing clusters, and GPU computing. The
Computer Science Department and robotics laboratories have ongoing
collaborations with large industries and programs to promote start-ups.

Loughborough University is ranked 7th in the UK in the 2019 League Table
Ranking
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/loughborough/performance ), and
is located in Loughborough, a town well connected to London by a 1h20m
journey by train.


Requirements.

Postdoc: A Ph.D. in Computer Science or related with a strong publication
record, coding abilities, predisposition to work in a team and
independence, passion for science, solid work ethics.

Ph.D. students: The ideal candidate holds (or is about to obtain) a
first-class honour undergraduate/postgraduate degree (or equivalent) in
Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Electrical or Electronic
Engineering, or has authored publications in recognised
conferences/journals. Independent working skills are valued as well as the
capability of working in a team. Collegiality and interpersonal skills are
essential.

Excellent English language skills are also essential (see requirements here
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm)


Period and salaries.

Postdoc position: until June 2020 (with possible extension) with a
competitive salary at Grade 6 (
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/hr/benefits/pay-rewards/)

Start: as soon as possible.

Ph.D. studentships:

Scholarship: £14,777 per annum plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate.

Start: October 2018 or shortly after.

Duration: 3 years.

Application deadlines: 31st August

Inquiries and applications. Interested candidates are invited to send
preliminary inquiries to a.soltoggio at lboro.ac.uk including a CV, a
university transcript of marks, a list of references, and a statement of
about 300 words motivating their interest in this area of research.


Application links:
https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/BKW361/research-associate-in-machine-learning
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/compsci/staff/academic-teaching/andrea-soltoggio/


Best wishes,

Andrea Soltoggio



-- 
Dr.  Andrea Soltoggio
Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence

Department of Computer Science,
Centre for Information Management
Haslegrave Building, N.2.03
Loughborough University
LE11 3TU, UK

Phone: +44 (0) 1509 635748
Email: a.soltoggio at lboro.ac.uk
Twitter: @asoltoggio
Web:
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/compsci/staff/dr-andrea-soltoggio.html
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