PhD and Post Doc in BioRobotics

Post date: Jan 19, 2011 9:34:24 AM

Two Postdoctoral and/or PhD positions in Biorobotics at Bielefeld

University, Germany

In the EU-funded FP7-Project EMICAB (Embodied Motion Intelligence for

Cognitive, Autonomous Robots), the University of Bielefeld (Germany)

invites applications for

TWO POSITIONS as RESEARCH ASSISTANTS (Post-Doc or PhD student)

for the duration of three years. The salary scale typically ranges

between 38300 and 44800 Eur p.a. (according to E13 TV-L West, German

public service), depending on work experience. The positions are

remunerated between 50% and 100% E13 according to qualification of the

applicant.

The positions on offer are embedded into an excellent interdisciplinary

environment with intensive contacts to various facilities and workgroups

of Bielefeld University. In particular, this includes the Center of

Excellence in Cognitive Interaction Technology, CITEC. The EU-project

(www.emicab.eu) as a whole is formed by the Biomechatronics lab and the

Neuroethology lab of Bielefeld University (coordinator), a Systems

Engineering lab at the University of Catania, Italy, a Sensor Technology

lab at the University of Southern Denmark in S?nderborg, and a

Neurogenetics lab at the University of Mainz, Germany.

Goal of the EMICAB-project is the abstraction of neuro-ethological and

neuro-genetic research results in the context of autonomous walking

movements to generate artificial neural network models for intelligent

behaviour. In parallel, a novel six-legged walking robot is being

assembled and ? within the project ? expanded by rich body sensorisation

and additional actuation. The integration of bio-inspired, intelligent

control algorithms on an efficient walking robot allows autonomous,

goal-directed locomotion and shapes the command of complex, cognitive

behaviour like, for instance, object manipulation and mental planning.

THE FIRST POSITION is available in the area of technical sensorimotor

functions and robotics. As a prerequisite, the applicant should hold a

university master or diploma degree, preferably in engineering (e.g.,

mechatronics, electrical engineering or control engineering) or computer

science (e.g., robotics, technical computer science). We are

particularly interested in candidates with a background in electronics

design, control of electrical drive systems and sensor systems as well

as in the area of mechanical construction. Strong programming skills and

advanced mathematical competence are expected. Participation in

administrative and organizational tasks of the EU-project is also expected.

THE SECOND POSITION is placed within the field of bio-inspired

algorithms and software development. As a prerequisite, the applicant

should hold a university master or diploma degree, preferably in the

field of computer science (if possible with a focus on sensor fusion,

stochastic or neural models or time series analysis). Strong programming

skills and advanced mathematical competence are expected. Participation

in administrative and organizational tasks of the EU-project is also

expected.

Bielefeld University is an equal opportunity employer and therefore

especially encourages women to apply. In the case of comparable

competences and qualification, women will preferably be considered if

there are no dominating reasons arising from the person of another

applicant. Bielefeld University also encourages disabled people to

apply. Part-time employment is possible.

Please send your application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV

and transcripts as well as the name and contact information of two

references) ? also electronically in pdf-format ? until 15. March 2011.

Contacts:

Dr. Axel Schneider, Bielefeld University, Faculty of Technology,

P.O.-Box 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany (e-mail:

axel.schneider@uni-bielefeld.de)

Prof. Dr. Volker D?rr / Prof. Dr. Josef Schmitz, Bielefeld University,

Faculty of Biology, P.O.-Box 10 01 31, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany (e-mail:

{volker.duerr, josef.schmitz}@uni-bielefeld.de)

------------------------------