Junior/Pre-Doctoral Joblist

Multi-robot systems, München, Germany

In the Institute of Automatic Control Engineering and Autonomous Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Technische Universität München, several PhD / research assistant / PostDoc positions need to be filled. While exceptionally strong candidates are considered anytime, our specific, current needs are in the direction of multi-robot and multi-agent systems. The positions are embedded into the DFG excellence research cluster "Cognition for Technical Systems - CoTeSys". A group of excellent people with strong disciplinary background (control, mechanical or electrical engineering, communication, information theory, computer science) and an interest in working in an interdisciplinary environment are desired.

The positions are fully paid according to the German rules (formerly BAT-IIa). Requirements are a successful degree (master/diploma/doctoral/PhD) with excellent records. Please send your application including your complete CV, relevant certificates, and some of your publications by Email to office AT lsr.ei.tum.de with the Keyword "PosCoTeSys". Closing date 30 June.

Robotics Researcher/Programmer, Mountain View, CA, USA

Honda Research Institute USA (HRI-US) is developing cutting edge innovative technologies for our humanoid robot ASIMO. Currently we have an immediate opening for a highly qualified individual who will work on advanced dynamics and control aspects of humanoid robots. The candidate is expected to assist staff scientists in the development and implementation of new strategies for balance control.

The candidate must have excellent software engineering and system development skills with interest in contributing to one of the most fascinating technical fields. The candidate should be creative, self-motivated, learn fast, and develop software prototypes. The initial scope of this position is three-years with possibility of extension, based on the sole discretion of HRI-US. Individuals planning to eventually pursue a PhD degree are also encouraged to apply.

Qualifications required include a MSc or PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or related; Proven programming skills in C/C++ and Matlab; Solid math background; experience in robotics, simulation, dynamics and control.

To apply, email your application including a cover letter, resume, and the name of three references to: Fulltime_P07F01 AT honda-ri.com Please refer to the job position number, P07F01 in subject line. If you have questions please contact Ambarish Goswami AGoswami (at) honda-ri (dot) com

Biologically based robotics, Barcelona, Spain

The Synthetic Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems (SPECS) group at the Institute of Audiovisual Studies (IUA) at the University Pompeu Fabra is offering 2 PhD positions in the field of robotics, biomimetics and computational neuroscience in the context of a EU founded project (NeuroCHEM: Biologically inspired computation for chemical sensing), starting now. This is an offer for full-time research positions.

Candidates are expected to have a strong mathematical background (engineering, physics, mathematics, etc), and an interest in neuroscience, neural networks, biologically inspired technology and robotics. Experience with electronics and robotics, and strong programming skills (C++, matlab) will be appreciated. Candidates should be autonomous, creative and able to work in teams in a multidisciplinary environment. As part of their work, the candidates are expected to write high quality scientific papers, and to be involved in the management of the project (deliverables, reports, etc), so good written and spoken English is also required.

For further information, contact Sergi Bermúdez i Badia sergi.bermudez AT upf.edu

Evolutionary computation or mobile robot simulation, Valencia, Spain

Applications are invited for two Research Assistant Positions in the Complex Adaptive Systems group of Instituto Tecnológico de Informática. We are looking for two innovative and enthusiastic researchers with a strong academic background and experience in Evolutionary Computation and/or Robotics research.

Both positions are full time with an initial duration of 1 year (extendable). The successful candidate will be expected to start immediately. We regret we cannot consider applications from non-EU nationals, or persons without a valid working permit at the time of application.

Skills required for both positions:
• degree in Computer Science, Engineering or similar.
• good working knowledge of bio-inspired and evolutionary algorithms.
• programming ability in C/ C++
• English (negotiation level).
• writing ability (reports, papers etc.).
• Also valued are a PhD in a relevant area, scientific publications, and/or experience in MATLAB programming.

The EvoTest job "Evolutionary Testing for Complex Systems" also requires Java and experience or knowledge of Software Testing.

The RobSim job "Mobile robots simulation" also requires Python and experience in 3D mobile robots simulation environments (pref. Gazebo).

Please submit your application including CV, a list of publications, any documentation to support your merits and names of three possible referees to anna AT iti.upv.es with either "job offer EvoTest" or "job offer RobSim" in the subject of your email.

Complex Systems, Burlington, Vermont, USA

The Complex Systems Center in the College of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences (CEMS) at the University of Vermont is excited to announce the availability of new graduate research assistantships in support of our interdisciplinary emphasis in complex systems analysis and engineering.

We seek to support innovative and forward-thinking doctoral students who will conduct transformative, high-impact research in theory, methodology, and/or applications of complex systems science and engineering. Recipients will matriculate into doctoral programs in Computer Science, Mathematics, Materials Science, or Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Electrical, or Mechanical) and and study with faculty who are at the forefront of interdisciplinary research in complex systems. Some examples of exciting ongoing projects include creating resilient autonomous robots through cognitive self-modeling, improving forecasts in chaotic weather systems, understanding the spread of ideas and influence in complex social networks, developing and applying hierarchical artificial neural networks for multi-scale environmental modeling, developing a multi-scale agent-based model of the complex transportation energy market, studying complexity and sensitivity in an agent-based transportation model coupled with a model of land use change, studying emergent evolutionary and population dynamics in spatially structured ecosystems, developing novel evolutionary computational approaches for understanding the genetic causes of complex diseases, and designing multi-agent control methods for mitigating the negative effects of cascading failures in power networks.

Applicants need not restrict their proposed interests to existing projects, but are advised to identify and contact potential advisor(s) with whom they would like to work. More information.

Robotics and Media, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Founded in September 2007, the Interactive Robots & Media Laboratory (IRML) in Al Ain is seeking to expand its staffing at all levels. Core research areas include (but are not limited to): conversational humanoid robotics, language grounding, as well as human-robot interaction. There is also close contact with numerous world-class institutions and companies in the field across three continents.

The lab is equipped with multiple robots (mobile tour guide robots, manipulator arms, mini vehicles), state-of-the-art full-body motion capture, cybergloves and wireless 6DOF sensors, as well as advanced vision systems. Furthermore, IRML has continuous access to color 3D printing and 3D scanning, as well as to a machine shop, and microcontroller / electronics labs, for prototyping novel interactive devices. In terms of computational resources, a high-performance grid computer with 1T Flop will soon be available for use. Finally, a world-class humanoid conversational robot project "IbnSina" is under development.

Relevant background in CS, EE, or Interactive Media to an appropriate level is essential. Required practical skills include coding experience/expertise (C++ / Matlab / Java) and real world troubleshooting skills. Most important is the desire, imagination, systematicity and persistance to create the interactive robots and media of the future.

Visiting studentships and summer internships may also be available. For further information contact Nikolaos Mavridis NikolaosM AT uaeu.ac.ae

Summer internships, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Sandbox Innovations is an exciting, new, world class robotics company which provides high-performance legged robotic systems targeted at the research, education and search and rescue communities.

We are currently looking for talented summer interns to work on our legged mobility platform, RespondBot RDK. Prospective interns should be working towards their Ph.D. or Masters in robotics or a related field.

Controls engineer, Cambridge, MA, USA

Barrett Technology Inc. seeks an engineer familiar with nonlinear control theory and its application in (C and C++) code as applied to serial-link robots. Barrett's WAM arm is unique among robots because its joints have low backdriven inertias and because the kinematics are redundant. This combination gives the WAM arm unprecedented force/impedance control capability that leverages the power of Jacobian-Transpose computed-torque techniques. The successful candidate will be hired to improve these methods. One active project is aimed at intuitively generating complex haptic surfaces to aid manufacturing activities. The controls-engineer position will include improving the code across all of Barrett's products, some of which are under development, and exploiting Barrett's advanced "Puck" servoelectronics module.

In adddition to engineering skills, clear written communication skills are essential for all engineering positions at Barrett, not just for code and user documentation, but also in the preparation of persuasive and innovative funding proposals.

More information

Power-electronics development engineer, Cambridge, MA, USA

Barrett Technology Inc. seeks a circuit designer with a solid understanding of electro-magnetic fields who is comfortable developing multilayered boards with mixed (power-and-signal) electronics and familiar with the important effects that come with high-frequency, high-power switching. Understanding of brushless-motor driver designs, space-vector commutation, and DC-DC conversion methods will be helpful. Barrett has developed one of the most advanced brushless-motor servoelectronics modules in the world, with its ultraminiature, ultraefficient "Puck", and we are continuing to push the limits with funding from the National Science Foundation. The successful candidate will be working directly on future Puck advancements with the guidance of professors from MIT and Olin College who are experts in brushless-motor and power electronics. In addition to taking the Puck to the next level, the successful candidate will be responsible for electronic designs and layouts for all Barrett products. Other duties will include managing suppliers, contract manufacturers, technicians, and interns; firmware development (assy and C); debugging/troubleshooting; and customer communications.

In addition to engineering skills, clear written communication skills are essential for all engineering positions at Barrett, not just for preparing clear engineering documentation and communicating with customers, but also in the preparation of persuasive and innovative funding proposals.

More information

Junior Robotics Engineer, Pasadena, CA, USA

Evolution Robotics is seeking a junior robotics engineer to design, implement, test, and document robotics and vision algorithms in C/C++ on Linux/Windows and on embedded platforms.

The position responsibilities also include validation and characterization of the products developed at Evolution Robotics including the Evolution Robotics Software Platform (ERSP), embedded solutions for vision and navigation, and robotics components and hardware. The position also entails providing customer support by helping customers solve problems and replying to customers requests via email and phone.

The position involves a substantial portion of "hands-on" work and requires an individual able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Requirements:
 • Hands-on experience developing robotics or vision systems.
 • Working knowledge of C/C++ and scripting languages.
 • Working experience in both Linux and Windows.
 • Experience validating complex systems involving hardware, software and mechanical components.
 • A solid engineering background with hands-on design and development experience.
 • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
 • Ability to work independently, without direct supervision.
 • Strong problem solving skills and a fast learner. Strong analytical skills.
 • Minimum Degree: BS in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering , or related field.

More details.

Autonomous vehicles and personal robots, Stanford, CA, USA

Willow Garage is a new exciting and cutting edge organization dedicated to developing autonomous devices that will help people become more productive, keep them safer and increase their capabilities. Our current research and development efforts focus on three areas - autonomous vehicles, a solar-powered autonomous ocean-going boat and a personal robot. Three drive-by-wire SUVs with integrated sensing serve as a platform for our autonomous vehicles research. We are completing a solar-powered boat and are working on software to make it sail autonomously around the world. Our extensive personal robotics program is based on a unique design that minimizes risk to humans and we aim to collaborate with academic and industry leaders in developing the next-generation personal and service robots.

At Willow Garage, we aim to drive open-source hardware and software for Robotics. We encourage publication of top-level research in conferences and peer-reviewed journals. We support longer-term research while striving to achieve shorter-term goals. We encourage active collaboration with academia and industry. Our vision is to incubate and spin-off robotics and related companies based on the research performed at Willow Garage.

Strong development candidates should have a BS or MS in CS, ME, EE/ECE, Aero/Astro, Systems Engineering or related areas or in-depth prior experience building related systems. Strong research candidates should have a PhD in CS/ME/EE/ECE/Aero/Astro or related areas.

More details.

Research Assistant, Genoa, Italy

The PMARlab of the University of Genova is looking for two research assistants to work in a new FP7 European research project on Rapidly Configurable Machines and Production Systems. The work involves: i) swarm robotic system conceptual design and system development; ii) mechatronic design of parts of agents of the swarm developed for a manufacturing task; and iii) swarm system integration.

A degree or equivalent in robotics related areas, possibly Mechanical/Electrical Engineering and Control Engineering is required. For one of the two positions, skills in mechatronic design are appreciated. The focus of the research will partly depend on the background of the candidate and on personal initiative. The research environment will offer possibilities for successful research formation and strong international collaboration.

Start date September 1st. For further details contact Rezia M. Molfino molfino AT dimec.unige.it or Matteo Zoppi zoppi AT dimec.unige.it