PhD position in Security & resilience of AI in robotics

29 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Czech Technical University in Prague

Research Field

Computer science » Computer systems

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

Modern robotics increasingly utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the completion of a variety of complex tasks. Especially in the human-robot collaboration (HRC) setting, it is imperative that the robot is able to understand the human and behave intelligently. This project aims to research two additional closely related desirable properties of AI models in robotics and HRC: resilience and security. Resilient models are able to operate correctly under a variety of circumstances that may not have been foreseen: e.g., a robot operates under adverse weather conditions, encounters objects on its path it did not expect, or its camera input is glitched for a short period of time, which may confuse the model. Within the broader topic of resilience, we especially aim to contribute to security, ensuring that the AI models resist adversarial attacks by malicious users. To truly unlock the potential of robotics in safety- and security-critical applications, resilience and security are paramount. This project's ambition is to contribute to both significantly.

 

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 conduct 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).

 

Scientific collaborations with the University of Amsterdam (Dr. P. Mettes) and within the consortium of our existing European project CoreSense (Delft University of Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid etc.) are planned and encouraged.

 

Requirements

Research Field

Computer science » Computer systems

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, artificial intelligence, robotics, engineering, cybernetics, or another 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 AI frameworks & Python scientific computation packages such as PyTorch, Tensorflow, Keras, and NumPy is a big plus.

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
• Relocation assistance via the EURAXESS Czech Republic office

Selection process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications at:

https://forms.gle/Q7Rxn4R4NZFyWZuY7 [using PhD Position ID 03-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