Postdoc in Reinforcement Learning

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Electronic Systems, a position as postdoc in Reinforcement Learning is open for appointment from January 1, 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is available for 24 months. In the area of electronics engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and the societal relevance of its research programmes. In electronics engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and the societal relevance of its research programmes. The Department of Electronic Systems consists of more than 200 employees, of which about 40 % are international and about 90 are enrolled PhD students. The Department hosts 620 students. The Department's excellent research infrastructures and facilities accentuate its global position in teaching and research. The Department's research centres around communication, antennas, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security and robotics. The Department plays an active role in translating discoveries and results into practical applications with industrial partners and IPR. The Department provides teaching for several BSc and MSc programmes using a problem- and project-based learning model.

Job description
Machine learning forges its way into many spheres of human activity, from education, medical and legal supporting systems to autonomous vehicles. It is capable of classifying objects, trends, and patterns in a huge amount of data. Nonetheless, the control and monitoring solutions for critical infrastructures stay reluctant to this new trend due to high safety standards. Therefore, merging stochastic safety with reinforcement learning is essential. The learning intrinsically makes use of trials and exploration of new situations. However, these new unknown situations may become unsafe points with no return. This project will circumvent this situation - it will develop learning algorithms for machine decision-making that do not jeopardize safety.

Learning and Decision Lab
You will be a part of Learning and Decision Lab consisting of 10 international junior and senior researchers working on different aspects of application of machine learning to control theory and practice. The position is a part of Swift Project, gathering doctoral and postdoctoral researchers around the subject of machine learning, multi-objective optimization, safety, security and privacy preserving algorithms.

Tasks

• You will develop the theory of safety focusing on mathematical characterizations and numerical approximation methods for the associated safety function. You will also identify the set of initial states from which the probability of reaching an unsafe region (before reaching the desired target) is small enough.
• You will introduce the safety function in dynamic programming and Reinforcement Learning. This work will pave the way for solutions in data-driven optimization methods.
• You will verify the applicability of the theoretical results in a unique water infrastructure laboratory at Aalborg University, https://vbn.aau.dk/da/equipments/smart-water-infrastructures-laboratory-swil .

You may obtain further professional information from Professor Rafal Wisniewski, Department of Electronic Systems, email: [email protected]

Qualification requirements: 

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact Camilla B. Bock by mail [email protected] or phone (+45) 9940 9582. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seen here  

Agreement

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.   

Vacancy number

2021-224-03757

Deadline

31/10/2021

Apply online