The Technische Universität Berlin invites applications for a (Post)doctoral position for the Cluster of Excellence “Science of Intelligence”.

What are the principles of intelligence, shared by all forms of intelligence, no matter whether artificial or biological, whether robot, computer program, human, or animal? And how can we apply these principles to create intelligent technology?

Answering these questions – in an ethically responsible way – is the central scientific objective of the new Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (https://www.scioi.de), where researchers from a large number of analytic and synthetic disciplines – artificial intelligence, machine learning, control, robotics, computer vision, behavioral biology, psychology, educational science, neuroscience, and philosophy – join forces to create a multi-disciplinary research program across universities and research institutes in Berlin. Interdisciplinary research projects have been defined (https://www.scienceofintelligence.de/research/projects), which combine analytic and synthetic research and which address key aspects of individual, social, and collective intelligence.

Intelligent robotic agents operating in unknown environments must be able to acquire information about the world from their own interactions. In this project, we will investigate exploration strategies for knowledge acquisition and problem solving in nonstationary environments. We will study the relationship between problem and exploration strategy to devise meta-exploration, capable of rationally selecting exploration strategies in response to information obtained from the environment. We collaborate with cognitive scientists to leverage insights and models from meta-cognition in humans. The successful candidate will leverage real-world robotic systems, simulations, and advanced machine learning techniques to develop autonomous robotic systems.

Rational selection of exploration strategies in robot learning

• MS degree in computer science or similar field
• Research experience in robotics
• Research experience in (deep) machine learning, computer vision, and/or control desired

• Basic knowledge in cognitive science and psychology is a plus
• Interest in interdisciplinary research in the context of the Cluster of Excellence “Science of Intelligence”
• Excellent software engineering and programming skills in C++ and Python
• Excellent English writing and communication skills

Candidates should upload their application preferably via the portal https://scienceofintelligence.de/jobs in order to receive full consideration.

Applications should include: motivation letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts of records (for both BSc and MSc), copies of degree certificates (BSc, MSc, PhD if applicable), abstracts of Bachelor-, Master- and (if applicable) PhD-thesis, list of publications and one selected manuscript (if applicable), two names of qualified persons who are willing to provide references, and any documents candidates feel may help us assess their competence.

To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. Applications are also expressly welcomed from suitably qualified persons seeking to be entered as “gender diverse” in the public register. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities.

Please send copies only. Original documents will not be returned.

The vacancy is also available on the internet at http://www.personalabteilung.tu-berlin.de/menue/jobs/