PhD position in Human-robot aware planning and acting Full-time

Offer Description

Current HRC workspaces stay far behind their theoretical potential, manifesting in high idle times, slow motions, fixed conservative priorities, etc. The PhD student shall explore how to tap into that potential by endowing the robot with sliding autonomy modes for different HRC settings (e.g., collaboration, cooperation, teaching, teleoperation, failure handling). The modes with high autonomy and close interaction require careful planning, scheduling, and monitoring to satisfy task and safety constraints. A key challenge here is when and how to change between different levels of autonomy without jeopardizing safety and efficiency. Automated planning for such dynamic situations requires original research. Reactive and robust task execution technologies such as behavior trees are particularly interesting. The PhD student will work in a team of other skilled PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

We seek a motivated PhD candidate with a master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field with a strong interest in robotics, artificial intelligence, or human-robot interaction. We expect the candidates to perform excellent research, become part of the world’s research communities in your field, and publish in first-tier scientific conferences and journals. This requires critical thinking, creativity, and excellent communication skills in English. The work requires developing code in a Unix environment with Python and/or C++. Experience with ROS, automated planning, Python AI frameworks, and scientific computing is a plus.

We offer the opportunity to do scientifically challenging research on a fully funded position (1-year contract with the possibility of an extension of up to 4 years), including full social and health insurance. Work with an experienced international team and lab with several HRC workspaces within the CIIRC CTU in Prague. Live in one of the top cities to live in (cf. Time Out Magazine index for 2022). The Dejvice Campus features a range of student amenities, such as the National Library of Technology , and a laid-back atmosphere with cafes and other social hangout places. Other benefits include a competitive salary, 30 days paid leave, and a family-friendly environment (Children’s corner , kindergarten , and elementary school operated by the Czech Technical University in Prague).

The cooperations with Delft University (Dr. J.Kober) and Manchester university (Dr. M.Mansouri) are planned.

Where to apply
Website [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]

Requirements

Research Field Computer science ” Cybernetics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Motivation to perform excellent research, become part of the world’s research communities in your field, and publish in first-tier scientific conferences and journals,
• Excellent M.Sc. in computer science, engineering, cybernetics, or related field,
• (Proven) code development skills and experience in Unix-based systems (preferably Python or C++).
• Experience with scientific writing and publishing is a plus.
• Professional proficiency in spoken/written English (knowledge of the Czech language is not required).

Specific Requirements

• Experience with ROS is a plus (however, a strong interest in Python and ROS is required),
• Experience with automated planning is a plus (PDDL, scheduling, TAMP).

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

• An initial appointment for 1 year (with an extension of up to 4 years, based on annual performance evaluation).
• Full waiver of tuition fees
• Net compensation of about 1,700 EUR monthly (includes salary and student stipends); check the Numbeo database for the cost of living in Prague
• Full social and health insurance
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• An informal and inclusive international working environment at the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics , Czech Technical University (CIIRC CTU) in Prague
• Children’s corner , kindergarten , and elementary school operated by the Czech Technical University in Prague
• Additional benefits such as subsidized meals, yearly benefits supporting recreational and sports activities, as well as health care programs

Selection process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications at:

[Please click the Apply button for the link or address] [using PhD Position ID 01-PhD-Babuska]

The application package should contain:

• Motivation letter (up to two pages) stating personal goals and research interests,
• Academic curriculum vitae, including descriptions of previous projects you have worked on and/or a list of publications and files of the most important publications, when applicable,
• Contact details for two to three referees who could support your application,
• A transcript of your Master’s (required) and Bachelor’s (recommended) grades.
• A copy or a link to your M.Sc. thesis,
• Date of your M.Sc. degree award or the expected date of your M.Sc. thesis defense.

We reserve the right to disregard incomplete applications.

The ROBOPROX team embraces diversity and inclusion and offers applicants equal opportunities regardless of their orientation, identity, or background. We particularly welcome female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups.

Applications are constantly reviewed. The application will be closed when a suitable candidate is found.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Czech Technical University in Prague Country Czech Republic State/Province Czech Republic City Prague 6 Postal Code 16000 Street Jugoslávských partyzánů 1580/3 Geofield

Tagged as: Computer Science