Postdoctoral researcher, robot navigation in dynamic and human populated environments - (2200006F)

Project: CONVINCE

Commitment & contract: Collaboration contract, fixed term contract.

Location: Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Genova, Italy

WHO WE ARE

At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centers around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience. 

YOUR TEAM 

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where mechanical, electrical, software engineers and robotics experts collaborate to carry out common research. 

The Humanoid Sensing and Perception  research line is coordinated by Lorenzo Natale who has extensive experience in humanoid robotics and in particular AI, machine vision, tactile sensing and software architectures for robotics.

You will join the CONVINCE project, a collaborative research project funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe framework G.A. 101070227. The goal of CONVINCE is to advance the capabilities of robots to perform complex tasks robustly and safely within unstructured environments via autonomous and unsupervised adaptation to the environment and operational context. CONVINCE will be validated on three different real-world use cases, you will join the team of researchers that will be responsible for implementing the robotic museum guide, and in particular the development of perception algorithms for navigation in dynamic and human populated environment

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Develop algorithms that allow the robot to detect and localize objects and humans in the environment;

• Develop algorithms for navigation in dynamical environments, taking into consideration the behavior of humans;

• Participate in the field test and experimental validation.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in relevant field (robotics, computer science, electronic engineering or equivalent)

• Documented experience working with real robotic systems

• Experience in robot control, grasping and or machine vision

• A strong publication records

• Good knowledge of programming languages such as, C/C++, Java, Python

• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data

• Good communication skills 

• Documented experience in coaching junior scientists

• Good command in spoken and written English  

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Knowledge of open source robotics software, simulators (e.g. Gazebo) and middleware (e.g. ROS/YARP)

• Knowledge of Deep Learning frameworks (e.g pythorch)

• Knowledge of Robot Navigation frameworks (e.g, Nav2)

• Strong problem solving attitude

• High motivation to learn

• Spirit of innovation and creativity

• Good in time and priority management

• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Competitive salary package for international standards (Salary can include bonus option depending on your role and contract)

• Private health care coverage (depending on your role and contract)

• Wide range of staff discounts

• Candidates from abroad or Italian citizens who permanently work abroad and meet specific requirements, may be entitled to a deduction from taxable income of up to 90% from 6 to 13 years.

 WHAT’S IN FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!

• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 

• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation! 

• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.

• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!

• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, university transcripts, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: Sept 15, 2022

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.

Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: [email protected]  - kindly note that this e-mail address is exclusively reserved for handling data protection issues. Please, do not use this e-mail address to send any document and/or request of information about this opening).