[Amdnl] 2 postdoc positions in robot learning by imitation and reinforcement at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT)

[Sylvain Calinon]

** 2 postdoc positions in robot learning by imitation and reinforcement **

The Department of Advanced Robotics (http://www.iit.it/en/advanced-robotics) at the Italian Institute of Technology, an English-language research institute, has 2 postdoc openings in the area of machine learning applied to compliant robot control.

The successful candidates will participate in a new European research project called STIFF-FLOP (STIFFness controllable Flexible and Learn-able Manipulator for surgical OPerations) starting early 2012. The project is a collaboration of 11 universities, research institutes and companies in Europe: KCL (UK), SSSA (Italy), TRI (Spain), PIAP (Poland), HUJI (Israel), UoS (UK), USiegen (Germany), Shadow (UK), FRK (Poland) and EAES (Netherlands).

We are seeking highly motivated and talented candidates who wish to contribute to the development and experimental validation of novel imitation learning and reinforcement learning algorithms applied to a variety of compliant robots available in the Department of Advanced Robotics. These platforms include: a bimanual upper-torso composed of two Barrett WAM manipulators, a KUKA LightWeight Arm and the compliant humanoid robot COMAN.

The developed algorithms will be extended to the challenge of minimally invasive surgery, in which robotic tools must enter through narrow openings and manipulate soft organs that can move, deform, or change stiffness. The successful candidates will concentrate on the learning, collaborative human-robot interaction and/or variable compliance manipulation aspects of this project.

The research will be conducted within the Learning and Interaction Group (http://www.iit.it/en/advanced-robotics/research-areas/learning-and-interaction). Contracts are up to 4 years with respect to the duration of the project. Salaries will depend on experience, with policies providing additional pension and health benefits. Applicants may also qualify for reduced tax benefits. Expected starting date is February 2012.

For further information please contact: Dr Sylvain Calinon (sylvain.calinon at iit.it).

IIT is located in Genova, Italy, a seaside Mediterranean city set on the beautiful Italian Riviera, where the cost of living is much more affordable than many other European cities. International applications are encouraged and will receive logistic support with visa issues.


Application Requirements:
-------------------------
- PhD degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or Engineering
- High-quality publications record
- Strong interest in machine learning
- A high level of competence in one or more of the following areas: imitation learning, reinforcement learning, probabilistic models, MATLAB and C/C++ programming
- Experience in robot control is a plus
- Fluency in written and spoken English (IIT is an English language research institute)


Application Procedure:
----------------------
To apply, please send a detailed CV, a statement of motivation, copies of degree certificates, grade transcripts, contact information of at least two references, and other support materials such as reference letters to Dr Sylvain Calinon (sylvain.calinon at iit.it) and Dr Petar Kormushev (petar.kormushev at iit.it), by quoting STIFF-FLOP in the email.

For consideration, please apply by:  ** December 4, 2011 **


--
Sylvain Calinon, PhD
Team leader - Learning and Interaction Group,
Department of Advanced Robotics,
Italian Institute of Technology (IIT),
Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova
http://www.iit.it/en/advanced-robotics/labs/learning-and-interaction.html
http://programming-by-demonstration.org/learning-and-interaction/