Connectionists: ERC-Funded PhD and Postdoc positions in Artificial Intelligence and Meta-Learning (deadline February 1st)

[Sebastian Risi]

The positions are funded as part of the GROW-AI project, a 5-year European
Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant awarded to Sebastian Risi. The
PhD positions are full-time positions for 3 years (starting from an MSc or
equivalent) or 4 years (starting from a BSc). The postdoc positions are
full-time positions funded for an initial period of 2 years, with potential
extensions for up to a total of 4 years.

The project: Growing Machines Capable of Rapid Learning in Unknown
Environments

Despite major advances in the field of artificial intelligence, especially
in the field of neural networks, these systems still pale in comparison to
even simple biological intelligence. Current machine learning systems take
many trials to learn, lack common-sense, and often fail even if the
environment only changes slightly. In stark contrast to current neural
networks, whose architectures are designed by human experts and whose large
number of parameters are optimized directly, evolution does not operate
directly on the parameters of biological nervous systems. Instead, these
nervous systems are grown and self-organize through a much smaller genetic
program that produces rich behavioral capabilities right from birth and the
ability to rapidly learn. Neuroscience suggests this “genomic bottleneck”
is an important regularizing constraint, allowing animals to generalize to
new situations. The goal in GROW-AI is to learn such genomic bottleneck
algorithms, and in addition, co-optimize task generators that provide the
agents with the most effective learning environments. Taking inspiration
from the fields of artificial life, neurobiology, and machine learning, we
will investigate if algorithmic growth is needed to understand and create
intelligence.

The candidate should have experience in some of the following topics:

   - Deep RL / meta-learning / continual learning
   - Neuroevolution / evolutionary algorithms
   - Indirect encodings such as Hypernetworks
   - Neurobiology / systems neuroscience / neurogenetics
   - Evolutionary developmental biology
   - Procedural content generation

Research environment
The candidates will work together with Sebastian Risi (sebastianrisi.com)
and join the Creative AI (game.itu.dk/groups/creativeai/) and Robotics,
Evolution, and Art Lab (REAL) (real.itu.dk) at the IT University of
Copenhagen (itu.dk). Our aim is to build a diverse team. All applications
are welcome, especially those from members of underrepresented groups are
encouraged.

*Application*

The application should be in English and should include:

   - A cover letter.
   - A research statement, which provides evidence of independent thinking,
   novelty and originality, and a state-of-the-art grasp of the targeted
   research field matching the project description above.
   - A full CV, including name, address, phone number, e-mail, previous and
   present employment and academic background
   - Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
   - Applications may also include up to 3 relevant scientific publications
   written by the applicant, or the applicant’s master thesis. Letters of
   recommendation can also be included in the application

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be
assessed.

*General information*
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based
tertiary institution concerned with information technology (IT) and the
opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time
Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all
academic activities which involve computers including computer science,
information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business
impact and the commercialization of IT.

Questions about the positions can be directed to Sebastian Risi, IT
University of Copenhagen, e-mail sebr at itu.dk. Questions related to the
application procedure may be directed to HR, hr at itu.dk.

Link to apply:
https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=119&ProjectId=181512&DepartmentId=3508&MediaId=5

Deadline: February 1st, 2023
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