PhD Scholarship in Adaptive & Learning Control for Robotics

Job description

At the Delft Centre for Systems and Control we are exploring new ideas about learning control, by augmenting traditionally model-based controllers with adaptation and learning capabilities. Ultimately, we aim to develop novel control paradigms for autonomous mobile robots, moving away from the traditional, well-structured settings typically found in the area of industrial robotics. Drawing analogies from nature, we find that a priori knowledge can play a fundamental role in the learning speed of a generic learning controller. Although animal brains are very plastic (at the extreme level), it is the a priori information encoded in their DNA that endows them not only with their physical morphology, but also with the proper brain “wiring” that allows learning to be possible.

The research subject of this PhD vacancy is to explore and develop novel learning control frameworks that can be realised in physical robots. To that end, our group has a number of robotic platforms, including wheeled mobile robots, bi-pedal and multi-pedal legged robots and a humanoid robotic arm.

Requirements

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree or the equivalent (expected graduates are also welcome to apply). We are seeking a candidate with a strong background and interest in (applied) mathematics. The candidate is expected to be involved in fundamental research at the boundary of several research domains. Preferably, the candidate has excellent knowledge and skills in programming (C++, Matlab, Mathematica). Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required (knowledge of Dutch is not required). The starting date is as soon as possible.

Conditions of employment

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Information and application

We offer the opportunity to do fundamental research on scientifically challenging topics and to complete a premier doctoral curriculum in Systems and Control Engineering. The PhD student will work in collaboration with other researchers in an international, multi-disciplinary research group at DCSC.

If you are interested in this position, please send, along with a brief cover letter,
1. a detailed curriculum vitae,
2. copy of official transcript for your BSc and MSc course programme with corresponding
grades,
3. a publication list and copies of your two most relevant articles (if applicable),
4. names and addresses of (at least) two reference persons,
5. and all other information that might be relevant to support your application.


For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Gabriel Lopes, phone: +31 (0)15-2785489, e-mail: g.a.delgadolopes@tudelft.nl. Please e-mail your application materials to Annemarie Gerretsen, application-3mE@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME11-04. This position will remain open until filled.

Factsheet

Department/faculty	Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Level	Master degree
Hours per week	38
Location	Delft
Contract	Four years
Salary	€2042 to €2612 per month gross
Closing date	07-05-2011
Vacancy nr.	3ME11-04

Information

For more information about this job, please contact Dr. Gabriel Lopes, Assistant Professor.

T +31 (0)15-2785489
E g.a.delgadolopes@tudelft.nl

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Annemarie Gerretsen/HRM.

E application-3mE@tudelft.nl