Doctoral student in robotic manipulation of deformable objects Full-time NEW

Doctoral Student In Robotic Manipulation Of Deformable Objects

Third-cycle subject: Computer Science

The PhD student will work within GEOMANIP, an ERC Starting Grant project that aims to revolutionize the robotic manipulation of deformable objects by uncovering and exploiting their fundamental geometric nature. GEOMANIP proposes a paradigm shift that integrates the differential geometric structure of deformable objects into novel continuum physics-inspired neural representations, serving as the bedrock of a physically-grounded manipulation pipeline encompassing perception, planning, and control. The PhD student will contribute to one or more of the following topics: theoretical foundations and geometric formalization, representation learning, robust perception and geometric state estimation, robot policy learning and control.

Supervision: Assistant Professor Noémie Jaquier

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach,
• analyze and work with complex issues and
• demonstrate experience with programming languages such as Python or C++.

We seek candidates with a background in machine learning, robotics and/or differential geometry. Background in differential geometry is an advantage. Experience with real robots is an advantage. After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement.