Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Robot learning and optimization for perception and control)

Tampere University, Finland

Updated: about 2 years ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 04 May 2022

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en

The Autonomous Mobile Machines Group at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences  focuses on solutions for future self-operating mobile working machines and robots (such as forest machines, excavators, forklifts, wheel loaders). We aim at algorithmic innovations, from theory to practice using real-world robot systems. The group research topics include situational awareness, autonomous navigation, and robot learning in challenging environments and uneven terrain; optimal power transmission and motion control for reduced energy consumption and obstacle avoidance for heady duty manipulators; material handling with integrated sensing and control; software development and safety for autonomous mobile working machines. 

The group is led Prof. Reza Ghabcheloo and has strong network in the industry, and we seek to solve demanding scientific problems that do arise from realistic environments and use cases. The group research is funded by European Commission, Academy of Finland, Business Finland, direct industrial contracts, and internal funds. We have well equipped and well-funded labs  and dynamic community, and large group of doctoral researchers and research assistants.

Job description

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The work will be related to robot learning and optimization for a) robust perception and situational awareness in challenging outdoor environments, or/and b) planning and control for autonomous navigation, and manipulation in non-road applications. The job will be composed of following activities:

  • Leading a small group of researchers, and supervision of two of the doctoral students. The whole research group is composed of close to 20 researchers, half of which are doctoral students.
  • Research related to the following projects:
  • “Safe Reinforcement Learning in Non-Stationary Environments with Fast Adaptation and Disturbance Prediction” jointly funded by the Academy of Finland and NSF, in collaboration with Univ. of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Aalto Univ.
  • Research topics of ESR 7 and 8 of the European project MORE
  • Interaction of local industry and providing workshops on our research results under AI Hub Tampere project

    • Requirements

    We seek a motivated and self-guided person with strong theoretical background who is interested in practical applications.

    You should have a PhD degree in a relevant field. We expect a competence to pursue independent scientific work and adequate teaching skills. You should be fluent in spoken and written English.

    We offer

    The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 2 years. The planned starting date is 1 June 2022 or as mutually agreed. A trial period of six (6) months applies to all our new employees.

    We offer a wide range of staff benefits, such as occupational health care, flexible working hours, excellent sports facilities on campus and several restaurants and cafés on campus with staff discounts. Please read more about working at Tampere University.

    We offer a possibility to be part of the world class research team with a unique view to the major industry players in this field both in Finland and Europe: https://www.more-itn.eu/ and https://www.fima.fi/members/ .   

    Salary

    The salary will be based on both the job demand level and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. According to the criteria applied to teaching and research staff, the position of the Postdoctoral Research Fellow is placed on the job demand level 5-6. In addition, employees will receive performance-based salary. Therefore, typically, Postdoctoral Research Fellow´s salary varies between 3300 Euro - 4200 Euro.

    How to apply

    Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 4 May 2022 (at 23.59 EEST / 20.59 UTC). Please write your application and all accompanying documents in English and attach them in PDF format.

    Applications should include the following documents:

    • Curriculum Vitae according to TENK guidelines
    • List of publications according to Academy of Finland guidelines
    • A letter of motivation, highlighting your achievements and ambition
    • A research plan (1 page): what are interesting research questions

    For more information, please contact:

    Associate Professor, Group Leader Reza Ghabcheloo, reza.ghabcheloo (at) tuni.fi

    Project Manager Jukka Yrjänäinen, jukka.yrjanainen (at) tuni.fi


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