PhD student position in computer science

Orientation towards Interactive Robotics Research topic: Learning from Demonstration and Imitation See full ad: http://www.jobb.umu.se/ Umeå University is seeking outstanding candidates for a PhD student position in Interactive Robotics at the Department of Computing Science.The Robotics Group at the department conducts research in both Field robotics and Cognitive robotics.This position is part of the INTRO project (INTeractive RObotics Research Network) which in total offers 10 positions in the interdisciplinary areas of Interactive Robotics; Cooperative Robot Learning, Cognitive Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and Intelligent Interface Design.INTRO (www.introbotics.eu) is funded by the European Commission as part of the FP7 program and involves 6 partners: Umea University, Sweden; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel; Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; University of the West of England, UK; Space Applications Services, Belgium, and Robosoft, France. The PhD student will join a training program in close cooperation with researchers from all partners.The network-wide training program includes a research project, courses, seminars, and workshops.In the research project, the PhD student will develop techniques for robot learning, based on Learning from Demonstration and Imitation by utilizing various aspects of human-robot interaction.Models and techniques for ways in which parameterized high-level skills can be combined into sequences will be developed.The nature of ambiguities in demonstrations will be investigated, and ways to reduce them by various types of human-robot interaction, e.g.models for human attention and intention identification will be developed.One part of the project will be conducted at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.Applicants should have 240 ECTS-credits of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level).A solid background in Computer Science is desirable.The applicant needs to be skilled in both oral and written communication in English, be able to work independently as well as in collaboration with others.Experience in artificial intelligence, robotics, cognitive science and programming are merits.Career exploratory allowance and travel allowances will be available.Questions about the position will be answered by Dr.Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.If you are applying to several positions with different reference numbers, you must submit a separate application for each position. We look forward to receiving your application!