PhD position in Interactive task specification for HRI

29 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Czech Technical University in Prague

Research Field

Computer science » Cybernetics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Czech Republic

Application Deadline

31 Dec 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Prague)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

H2020

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The PhD will work in the area of human-robot collaboration, specifically on methods for representing collaborative manipulation tasks. The task representation is useful, for example, for planning, scheduling and monitoring. The research should focus on developing probabilistic approaches to interactive task specification - i.e., the ability to identify missing or unclear knowledge in the graph, suggesting the most useful way of interaction to gain this knowledge, as well as updating the task structure based on the new observations. These methods will enable the system to proactively interact with the environment (e.g., via interactive perception) as well as with the demonstrator (e.g., via multimodal dialogue) and gradually advance the state of the task representation.

 

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 Bremen university (Dr. M.Beetz) are planned.

 

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 1,600 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:

https://forms.gle/Q7Rxn4R4NZFyWZuY7  [using PhD Position ID 02-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.

Additional comments

• Computer Science: "Autonomic computing" | "Computer architecture" | "Computer hardware" | "Computer systems" | "Cybernetics" | "Database management" | "Digital systems" | "Informatics" | "Modelling tools" | "Programming" | "Systems design" | "3 D modelling" | 
• Engineering: "Aerospace engineering" | "Biomaterial engineering" | "Biomedical engineering" | "Chemical engineering" | "Civil engineering" | "Communication engineering" | "Computer engineering" | "Control engineering" | "Design engineering" | "Electrical engineering" | "Electronic engineering" | "Industrial engineering" | "Knowledge engineering" | "Materials engineering" | “Mechanical engineering" | "Microengineering" | "Nuclear engineering" | "Precision engineering" | "Process engineering" | "Project engineering" | "Simulation engineering" | “Sound engineering" | "Surveying" | "Systems engineering" | "Thermal engineering" | 
• Technology: "Biotechnology" | "Chemical technology" | "Communication technology" | "Computer technology" | "Construction technology" | "Dating techniques" | "Electrical technology" | "Energy technology" | “Environmental technology" | "Future technology" | "Graphic techniques" | "High vacuum technology" | "Industrial technology" | "Information technology" | "Instrumentation technology" | "Interface technology" | "Internet technology" | "Knowledge technology" | "Laboratory technology" | "Marine technology" | "Materials technology" | "Measurement technology" | "Medical technology" | "Micro-technology" | "Military technology" | "Mining" | "Nanotechnology" | "Nuclear technology" | "Optronics" | "Pharmaceutical technology" | "Production technology" | "Quantum technology" | "Remote sensing" | "Safety technology" | "Sound technology" | "Space technology" | "Standardisation of technologies" | "Telecommunications technology" | "Transport technology" | "Vacuum technology" | 
• Mathematics: "Combinatorial analysis" | "Computational mathematics" | "Discrete mathematics" | "Geometry" | "Mathematical analysis" | "Mathematical logic" | "Number theory" | "Probability theory" | "Statistics" | 
• Physics: "Acoustics" | "Applied physics" | "Biophysics" | "Chemical physics" | "Classical mechanics" | "Computational physics" | "Condensed matter properties" | "Electromagnetism" | "Electronics" | "Mathematical physics" | "Metrology" | "Neutron physics" | "Optics" | "Quantum mechanics" | "Relativity" | "Solid state physics" | "Statics" | "Statistical physics" | "Surface physics" | "Thermodynamics" | 

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Czech Technical University in Prague

Country

Czech Republic

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://forms.gle/Q7Rxn4R4NZFyWZuY7

Contact

State/Province

Czech Republic

City

Prague

Website

https://www.ciirc.cvut.cz/roboprox/

Street

Jugoslávských partyzánů 1580/3

Postal Code

16000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED