Research Associate (PhD Student; m/f/d) in Robot Learning

 

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover (TU9 Alliance Member) offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The L3S research center is an internationally renowned research centre for basic and applied research in the field of artificial intelligence for digital transformation, founded in 2001. The L3S develops forward-looking research methods and technologies for the digital transformation and researches the effects of digitalization in the areas of production, mobility, medicine and education.

The L3S Research Center welcomes applications for the following position ideally to be filled from October 1st, 2024: Research Associate (PhD Student; m/f/d) in Robot Learning (salary scale 13 TV-L, 100 %)

The position is initially limited to 24 months and offers the opportunity for a doctorate.

Your role

Project

We aim to improve multimodal (kinesthetic and tactile) information integration for robot-mediated remote manipulation. We aim to advance the following three objectives: 1) To characterize the contact interaction of a robotic manipulator with manipulated objects; 2) To develop and validate a human model for the integration of kinesthetic and tactile information in perception, grip force control, and manipulation, and 3) To investigate the performance of haptic stimulation devices for conveying haptic information, to increase remote manipulation performance while reducing the user’s cognitive load. 

Tasks/Responsibilities

At L3S, new AI and machine learning methods are developed with a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from production and mobility to the development of digital twins. Your task will be to work independently and collaborate with team members on corresponding interdisciplinary research questions and development tasks in the context of projects in the field of AI, machine learning, or robot learning, to contribute to knowledge transfer and training, to work with regional businesses on applications of AI, and to publish research results at top-tier international conferences and in scientific journals.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate must hold a university science degree (Master or Diploma) in Computer Science, Robotics, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Control Engineering or from a similar field.

In addition, we expect the following qualifications:

• Ideally, you will bring in-depth knowledge in the focus areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics
• You should have the ability and willingness to collaborate with experts from different scientific and technical disciplines as well as from industry
• very good English skills both oral and written
• proficiency in the use of Linux, Python, Git, experience with deep learning libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch)
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, MuJoCo, Issac gym)
• Prior knowledge of ROS is a plus
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently
• Strong written and verbal communication and organizational skills and the ability to work in a team, reliability, sense of responsibility and flexibility

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore particularly encourage applications for the above-mentioned position from women. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

We offer you the opportunity to work on research projects creatively, independently and on your own responsibility in an inspiring and collegial team. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally, to publish at international conferences as part of your doctoral project, and to exchange ideas with scientists on an international level.

With more than 5000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

As a family-friendly university, working hours can be organised according to various flexible models. Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can therefore be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

 

Additional information

For further information, please contact Dr. Nicolás Navarro-Guerrero (Email: nicolas.navarro@l3s.de; Web: https://nicolas-navarro-guerrero.github.io/).

Please send your application with the usual documents, including motivation letter, CV, course transcript (Notenspiegel), certificates, list of publications and other documents relevant to the position by August 4th, 2024 in a single PDF file to