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Recent Postings:

• Cal Poly -- San Luise Obispo
• Universal Robotics
• Battelle

Universal Robotics, Inc. is a Nashville, TN based start-up taking to market a machine learning software technology developed at Vanderbilt and NASA by Dr. R. Alan Peters, the company CTO. Branded under the name Neocortex, Dr. Peters's technology allows robots to learn generalized concepts and exercise novel decision making autonomously. Neocortex will increase the sophistication of automation in a broad spectrum of industries, beginning with materials handling.

Looking for persons with demonstrable expertise in two or more of the following areas: dexterous manipulation; force control; sensory-motor coordination; computer vision; sensor integration; machine learning; autonomous systems; teleoperation; asynchronous, parallel software; actor-, agent-, or object-oriented systems / middleware. Must have a solid understanding of the graduate-level mathematics necessary for robotics, signal processing, machine learning, and control systems. Must be an expert c++ programmer with hands-on experience in the control of robot hardware. Desirable: Experience with hardware design and construction, electronics, MS Windows .net programming.

Contact: Please e-mail for details. Include your resume.

Battelle has been solving the toughest technical challenges for 75 years. From advanced armor and radar-evading coatings to knowledge-sharing for first responders, Battelle innovations keep America strong and safe. Battelle's National Security Division is seeking a Mechanical or Robotics Engineer for a full time position with experience in robotics or industrial automation systems and computer aided drafting and solid modeling to work within the Air Force Research laboratory at Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. Compensation will be based on qualifications and experience. A full benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, 401k, pension plan, and tuition reimbursement will be provided. Relocation support is not available.

The selected candidate will work on Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Florida. Primary job responsibilities will include:

• Responsibility for design, development and operation of robotics and industrial automation systems.
• Responsible for technology development; technologies integration; risk management analysis and manage appropriated risk mitigation teams; and technical reviews.
• Will work on computer aided drafting and solid modeling, program master plans, Risk management plans, cost estimates and other documentation.

Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to travel within the United States.

Candidate resumes must demonstrate the following minimum requirements in order to be forwarded for consideration:

• Bachelor degree in mechanical or robotic engineering, or other engineering field.
• Two years engineering experience in robotics or industrial automation or related systems and has been an Integrated Product Team (IPT) lead or sub-IPT lead.
• Have previous military or DOD experience.
• Have a current government Secret Security Clearance or be able to obtain one.

Desirable qualification: Masters degree in mechanical or robotic engineering.

Interested individuals should apply directly at our website http://www.battelle.org/careers Requisition #15346

OC Robotics (based in Bristol, UK) is the world leader in snake-arm robot R&D, design and manufacture. Our current active market sectors are nuclear, aerospace, defence and medical, although our technology is so flexible in application that we may address almost any market sector.

Requirements (must):

• Good mathematics and physics background, including numerical methods
• Ability to think in 3D
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Requirements (should):

• Excellent C/C++ with understanding of OOD/UML
• Robotics technology, kinematics, dynamics and control of multi-axis machinery
• Specification development and software architecture design
• Knowledge of real time systems
• Experience of writing hardware interface and control
• Database systems
• Computer graphics and 3D and physics engines

To Apply: Please send your CV including at least two references to iwantajob@ocrobotics.com or to Unit 5, Abbey Wood Business Park, Filton, Bristol, BS34 7JU, UK.

The Company: Neato Robotics is a consumer robotics start-up company located in Menlo Park, CA. We are currently working on our first product, a home appliance with intelligent navigation. What separates our product from other robots is a remarkable sensing technology that allows us to gather detailed knowledge of our environment at a price point that for the first time makes such technology affordable in consumer products. This sensor allows us to employ high level artificial intelligence algorithms to more intelligently and deliberately achieve our goals.

Software Engineer for Robotics:

Responsibilities This position is for a software engineer in the area of consumer robot design. The candidate will join a team developing an autonomous robotic household product. Tasks will range from low level embedded control up to high level AI and algorithm development.

Skills and Requirements Candidates must have a BS, MS, or PH.D. in computer science with relevant experience with autonomous robot design. Experience with sensor interpretation, robot intelligence, and decision making algorithms is particularly relevant.

Required Experience

• Experience with localization, mapping, path planning, and sensor interpretation as applicable to autonomous vehicles
• Solid coding experience in C/C++
• Familiarity with embedded system design
• Good documentation discipline including the ability to write engineering specifications and maintain well documented code

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of the ARM9 processor
• Familiarity with low level embedded system design
• Advanced knowledge of robot navigation
• Experience and interest in robotics

Contact: Please e-mail for details.

The Company:

Evolution Robotics, Inc. is a robotics company that is developing break-through technologies that are revolutionizing robotics for the mass market. The recent convergence of low-cost mobile computing, wireless communication, and sensing technologies has not only made the development of mobile robotic products possible, but also economical for mainstream usage. Evolution Robotics develops breakthrough solutions for making machines sense and act autonomously. We partner with consumer electronic companies to augment the capabilities of their products, such as the Sony AIBO® dog or the WowWee robotic toys, or create entire new robotic products such as the eVac robotic vacuum cleaner from Sharper Image.

Evolution is a recognized leader in the industry and the academic communities. The company has assembled a world-class management team composed of leading robotics experts and consumer products business leaders to make the company's vision of providing useful robots at affordable prices a reality.

The Evolution Robotics team operates in a highly dynamic and very collaborative environment where the flow of ideas is encouraged from all parts of the team. The team of extremely talented engineers and scientists at Evolution has created a unique and highly stimulating and fun work environment. This team challenges the status quo in technology and pushes the envelope on what may seem impossible.

Evolution Robotics is an operating company of Idealab, a technology incubator known for having started many successful companies like Overture and CitySearch. We are located in the beautiful and sunny Pasadena, in Southern California. Hosting scientific institutions like the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Lab, and national events like the annual Tournament of Roses, the city is considered the main cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley.

Position Purpose:

Design, implement, test and document robotics and vision algorithms in C/C++ on Linux/Windows and (potentially) on embedded platforms. Participate in the overall system design of the embedded robotic components.

Requirements:

• Hands-on experience developing robotics and/or vision systems.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in algorithm implementation using C/C++.
• 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: PhD in Robotics, Computer Vision, or related field.

Nice to have:

• Understanding of and experience with any of the following: behavior-based control, navigation, path-planning, obstacle avoidance, SLAM, fuzzy logic, estimation and control.
• Hands-on experience developing algorithms and building mobile robotics platforms.
• Understanding of and experience with any of the following: object recognition, structure from motion, 3D reconstruction, ego-motion estimation, feature extraction and matching, face recognition.
• Image processing experience including image sensors and image acquisition familiarity.
• Scientific programming experience.
• Algorithm development with Matlab.
• Familiarity with XML, Perl, Shell scripts
• Experience developing and producing commercial SDKs.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR RESUME AND SALARY HISTORY TO: careers@evolution.com.

The Company:

Evolution Robotics, Inc. is a robotics company that is developing break-through technologies that are revolutionizing robotics for the mass market. The recent convergence of low-cost mobile computing, wireless communication, and sensing technologies has not only made the development of mobile robotic products possible, but also economical for mainstream usage. Evolution Robotics develops breakthrough solutions for making machines sense and act autonomously. We partner with consumer electronic companies to augment the capabilities of their products, such as the Sony AIBO® dog or the WowWee robotic toys, or create entire new robotic products such as the eVac robotic vacuum cleaner from Sharper Image.

Evolution is a recognized leader in the industry and the academic communities. The company has assembled a world-class management team composed of leading robotics experts and consumer products business leaders to make the company's vision of providing useful robots at affordable prices a reality.

The Evolution Robotics team operates in a highly dynamic and very collaborative environment where the flow of ideas is encouraged from all parts of the team. The team of extremely talented engineers and scientists at Evolution has created a unique and highly stimulating and fun work environment. This team challenges the status quo in technology and pushes the envelope on what may seem impossible.

Evolution Robotics is an operating company of Idealab, a technology incubator known for having started many successful companies like Overture and CitySearch. We are located in the beautiful and sunny Pasadena, in Southern California. Hosting scientific institutions like the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Lab, and national events like the annual Tournament of Roses, the city is considered the main cultural center of the San Gabriel Valley.

Position Purpose:

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.

Nice to have:

• Ability to build/assemble/modify electronic assemblies or robots into various configurations for test purposes.
• Understanding of and experience with any of the following: behavior based control, navigation, path-planning, obstacle avoidance, SLAM, fuzzy logic, estimation and control.
• Understanding of and experience with any of the following: object recognition, structure from motion, 3D reconstruction, ego-motion estimation, feature extraction and matching, face recognition.
• Hands-on design and development experience of software and hardware products.
• Experience developing embedded systems.
• Experience in validating consumer or robotics products.
• Familiarity with XML, Perl, Shell scripts.
• Experience developing and producing commercial SDKs.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR RESUME AND SALARY HISTORY TO: careers@evolution.com.

Willow Garage http://www.willowgarage.com 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. We are in a unique position to take risks as we innovate for we are a bold new company with the right mix of research and engineering to have a significant impact on the world. We are a privately funded cross between a startup and a research institute situated in the heart of Silicon Valley in Menlo Park, just one mile from the Stanford campus. We have collaborations with academia including faculty at Stanford and the Grasp Lab at the University of Pennsylvania and are building relationships with other universities and industry leaders in Robotics research and applications.

Our research is aimed at building autonomous devices and systems that can make an impact in the real world. 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 are interested in applications that will take technology out of the server room and into the world. 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.

We are building a world class team to make these dreams a reality. We are looking for top-level research and development candidates with research interests/experience in one or more of the following areas:

• robotics
• control systems analysis and system dynamics
• estimation
• sensing
• computer vision
• real-time planning
• simulation of robotic systems
• machine learning
• probabilistic reasoning
• embedded systems programming
• knowledge representation and reasoning
• data analysis for complex systems

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.

Please email your resume (pdf preferred), along with a link to any relevant projects that you would like to share with us to: jobs@willowgarage.com

Generate innovative ideas and conduct research and development programs in the area of robotics autonomy as it pertains to automotive vehicle assembly.

• Experience in real-time reasoning with model-based estimation, model-based planning and execution, knowledge compilation, and optimal deductive reasoning to achieve vehicle assembly autonomy.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Execute technical assignments in a resourceful, solid, and timely manner with minimal supervision.
• Work well with research, divisions, centers and operational groups.
• Maintain state-of-art technical skills and knowledge.
• Develop working relationships with internal and external subject matter experts.
• Leverage expertise and contacts to improve project effectiveness.
• Effectively communicate and document results through internal and external publications

For details and to apply, please visit http://www.gm.com/corporate/careers/. For Post docs and experienced professionals, search for ENG0006843; for new graduates, search for ENG0006842; for senior positions, search for ENG0006875.

Scientific Systems Company, Inc. Senior Research Engineer

Location: Massachusetts - Woburn (Boston Metro Area)

The Company: Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) is a leading provider of Research & Development / Systems Integration services and software solutions to the Aerospace, Marine and Defense industries. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in the metro-Boston area, SSCI is among the Top 20 companies in highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and is currently growing its revenues at an annualized rate of 30-40%. The company has long standing relationships with all major branches of the U.S Department of Defense, NASA, and many of the leading prime contractors, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin. SSCI seeks strong candidates for the Intelligent and Unmanned Systems Engineering team to help grow its presence and productize its research in autonomy, sensors and sytem integration.

The Position: We seek team members who will contribute to analysis, design (algorithms), and prototype software engineering, integration and test of autonomous sensor, data / information processing, and unmanned systems. Our autonomy work is fielded on a variety of classes of unmanned systems; Air, Surface, Submarine and ground vehicles, including cooperative teams of vehicle spanning multiple classes.

Research staff at SSCI are encouraged and supported in the pursuit of their areas of interest. Salary is competitive with market rates plus there is a significant financial incentive for new business development. In addition, employee will also participate in SSCI's generous benefits package, which includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Bonus plan, Profit Sharing, 401K, and Health / Life / Disability Insurance.

Requirements: The ideal candidate will exhibit drive, motivation, and initiative, and possess strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. Specific qualifications include:

• PhD or MS with over 4 years of experience in Intelligent or Robotic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Development or Systems Engineering
• Dissertation and/or demonstrated expertise in the following areas: autonomous or intelligent systems (especially robotics or unmanned systems planning and control), optimization, sensor and data fusion, distributed estimation, and systems identification.
• Effective proposal writing skills or willingness to learn
• Experience with systems analysis/design and software engineering (e.g. MATLAB, Simulink/Stateflow, Real-time Workshop, C, C++)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong work ethic and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Eligibility to work in the United States (Citizenship or Permanent Residency)

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience in real-time software engineering for mission planning
• Experience with unmanned land, air, surface or underwater vehicles
• Experience with systems and software engineering processes (software planning, design, development tools, configuration management, test and QA methods)
• U.S. Citizenship and eligibility for DoD Security Clearance

If interested, please send a resume to: Ms. Patricia Kelly, Human Resources Coordinator, Tel: (781) 933-5355, Fax: (781) 938-4752, e-mail: info@ssci.com.

Many more positions are available. Please contact us or visit www.ssci.com for details.

The Computer Vision Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) solicits applications for full-time positions from candidates interested in research, research programming support, or flight project implementation of computer vision algorithms and systems. The group is active in research on:

• Perception for autonomous navigation and exploration by robotic vehicles of all kinds (ground, air, space, water surface and subsurface), using a wide range of passive and active sensing modalities
• Video surveillance from air and ground platforms
• Object recognition, particularly pedestrians, other vehicles, and other salient objects relevant to navigation
• Tracking, motion estimation, and mapping
• Applications of learning to enhance any of the above
• Real-time, embedded system implementations of vision algorithms in FPGAs, DSPs, or other low-power, high-performance hardware

Outstanding candidates at any level of seniority are welcome to apply. Please respond, preferably by email, with resume, statement of objectives, and three references to Dr. Larry Matthies, Supervisor, Computer Vision Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mail stop 198-235, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109.

A Robotics Software Engineering position is available at the Engineering Research Center for Computer Integrated Surgical Systems and Technology and the new JHU Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics to develop open source software frameworks to support robotics research related to computer-integrated surgery, service robots, manipulators, and haptics. The ideal candidate would have the following qualifications:

• BS degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering or a closely related field (MS preferred and may be substituted for some experience)
• At least 4 years experience developing software in C++.
• At least 2 years experience developing real-time software for robot control or similar applications, preferably with a real-time operating system.
• Strong background in robotics and haptics, including knowledge of kinematics, control, and trajectory planning/generation.
• Strong mathematical background, including 2D/3D geometry, linear algebra, transformations, and numerical optimization methods.
• Familiarity with software development tools such as CVS, Subversion, Doxygen, and CMake.
• Knowledgeable in the areas of object-oriented software engineering, design patterns, and component-based programming.
• Knowledge of Python and Matlab desirable.

This full-time regular staff position is open immediately. Interested applicants should apply online at JHUjobs, Req #31864. Please include a detailed resume/CV and at least three references. For further information contact Luwanna Spells.

Tenure Track Faculty position in Electrical Engineering

The Electrical Engineering Department, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, California, invites applicants for full-time, academic year tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor rank beginning September 8, 2008.

Duties include teaching core undergraduate courses, upper-division and master's level courses in a specialty area; performing research in an area of Electrical or Computer Engineering; and service to the department, university, and community. A doctorate in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required. Candidates must have a strong commitment to teaching excellence and laboratory-based instruction, a broad-based knowledge of electrical engineering and/or computer engineering, and dedication to continued professional development. Demonstrated ability in written and oral use of the English language is required.

Preferred Qualifications / Skills include Industrial experience and willingness to teach in multiple areas of the undergraduate curriculum, particularly in analog and mixed signal electronics, digital design, embedded systems, alternative energy, or courses with a significant design component, are desirable.

To Apply: Click here – reference requisition # 101466.

The Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany has an opening for a professorship in Automation. The position is open for applications on all levels, i.e., assistant, associate and full professor. The position is expected to complement the existing research in Robotics at Jacobs University.

Jacobs University is the first real private university in Germany with a highly selective student body. English is the language of education and daily life at Jacobs. The position is placed in the EECS department. A successful candidate is expected to engage in the CS undergraduate program and in the CS Smart Systems graduate program, which includes a Master and a PhD track. For this position in Automation, we seek for applications with an industry oriented research agenda.

Research Group Leader at KIT, Germany

Details: The Department of Measurement and Control (MRT) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology specializes in the development of intelligent sensing techniques for autonomous vehicles and for automated visual inspection tasks. Research projects focus on highly accurate vehicle positioning, automated map generation, and environmental sensing with active camera and laser scanner data. We are working in an interdisciplinary environment in cooperation with international research institutions, the automotive industry and train manufacturers.

We invite highly motivated applicants for a vacant research group leader position. The prospective candidate will be responsible for a research group - including the supervision of PhD students and project coordination with our partners - and initiate own research projects. The MRT provides excellent infrastructural and scientific background for the candidate to pursue his/her own line of research. The candidate will as well be integrated in post-graduate teaching activities.

The prospective candidate should hold a PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field. He/She should have a strong theoretical background in at least 3 of the following areas:

• Pattern Recognition
• Distributed/Multimodal Sensor Data Fusion
• 3D Scene Reconstruction (structure-from-motion/stereo/…)
• Image Understanding
• Probabilistic modelling, reasoning and learning
• Simultaneous localization and mapping
• Map Matching

and should have hands-on experience thereof in areas like robotics, automobile or railway systems. Knowledge of German language is helpful, but not mandatory. The position is intended for 3-5 years duration. Annual salary will be approximately 40 - 55 kEuro (Bat1b / E14).

Applicants should send their application along with a CV, a detailed statement of research plans, copies of three publications, and names and contact information of at least 2 references. These documents should be submitted as pdf attachments to: mrt@mach.uni-karlsruhe.de For further information contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christoph Stiller.

Robotics Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Auckland, New Zealand

Now extended to 30 April

The Robotics Laboratory's long term goal is to produce intelligent robotic assistants for humans. Currently our work focuses in three areas. Human robot interaction is a key area for robot assistants. Robot programming systems are also important because humans often need to resort to programming robots for new tasks. Thirdly we focus on two application areas, agriculture and healthcare, where we can explore our ideas in human robot interaction and robot programming systems. More details are available at: robotics.ece.auckland.ac.nz

The University is looking for an early career researcher to advance our software systems in order to promote robotic applications in agriculture and aged care, to improve our software tools, and to integrate smaller projects.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Systems, Computer Science, or a related Discipline, with advanced skills in:

• Programming (eg C/C++, Linux, Robotics, PlayerStage, Speech processing, Artificial Neural Nets)
• Human-robot interaction, cognitive science, emotion

General skills will include the abilities to:

• Design and implement software systems
• Work independently on research
• Write high quality publications
• Work effectively together with others in a multidisciplinary research team
• Lead postgraduate researchers
• Write documentation
• Work flexibly across areas including robotics, speech, artificial intelligence, artificial neural nets
• Carry out user studies

The successful candidate will become actively involved in designing, developing and integrating robotics research software across Robotics Laboratory projects, speech and artificial neural networks.

Personal qualities will include enthusiasm, willingness and ability to assist in developing core research, applications and contract research in the Laboratory.

It is expected that no more than 5 years should have elapsed, since the applicant has completed their PhD.

For more information, contact Dr Bruce MacDonald, (+64 9) 373 7599 ext. 88157, or b.macdonald@ieee.org.

Applications should be made at: University of Auckland Vacancy AVAC6

Further details are posted on robotics.ece.auckland.ac.nz

Two postdoctoral fellows are sought for National Institutes of Health sponsored projects in image-guided and robot-assisted beating-heart intracardiac surgery. The positions will involve some combination of the following elements:

• Design of minimally invasive surgical robots and instruments
• Design of robot-delivered surgical tools and implants using MEMS and traditional manufacturing technologies
• Controller design & implementation for flexible surgical robots
• Image-based robot control
• In vitro and in vivo prototype testing

Requirements for the position are a PhD in engineering and experience with robot system mechanical and control system design, system integration, image processing and C++. Experience with medical applications is also desirable. The initial appointment will be for one year with the possibility of extension.

Qualified applicants should respond by email as soon as possible to Pierre Dupont with a description of their qualifications, academic background, PhD thesis, publications and availability.

A research assistant position in Computer Vision and Planning under Uncertainty is available immediately at the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Applications are invited from highly qualified researchers for a Research Fellowship available immediately to work on an American Alzheimer's funded research project under the Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer's Care (ETAC) program. The project is jointly held between the University of Dundee, Scotland, and the University of Toronto, Canada. The successful candidate will be based at the School of Computing, on the University of Dundee's main campus in Dundee, Scotland, and will have opportunities for collaborative work in Canada. This fixed-term post is available immediately for a period of 18 months.

The successful candidate, who will ideally hold a relevant PhD and excellent research and publication record, will work with Dr. Jesse Hoey in the development of an assistive device to facilitate creative expression for persons with Alzheimer's disease. The research builds upon a large existing body of work into similar devices that use video cameras to monitor a user with a cognitive disability and that make decisions using a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). The research will be informed by participatory design work at host institutions, and will be clinically tested once complete.

Job Reference: AAE/2089

Additional Information: Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr. Jesse Hoey. Further information can be found on the following site: http://www.jobs.dundee.ac.uk/vacancies/20080303_00007-y.html

Intelligent Robotics (Fellowship Reference: C2007-UA/IEETA/IR/01b) Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal

Summary: The Transverse Activity on Intelligent Robotics of the IEETA Research Unit and the Universidade de Aveiro wishes to fill a five-year post-doctoral research position. Candidates will be evaluated in terms of relevance to the following main research lines:

Anthropocentric robotics - Robots designed for tight interaction/cooperation with humans in industrial, service and domestic scenarios; also robots designed based on analogies with human morphology, behavior and intelligence. Focus on human-robot interaction, visual object recognition, language acquisition, humanoid robotics.

Multi-robot systems - Both in simulation and with real robots, and on several application domains. Focus until now was on robotic soccer in RoboCup simulation and middle-size leagues.

Candidates and applications: Candidates must have a solid background in intelligent robotics, or in a field relevant to the above mentioned research lines, with a PhD degree and 3 years of post-doctoral experience in that area. Candidates should note the general rules of Program "Ciencia 2007" . The salary is ~42500 Euros per year.

In support of their application, candidates must submit:

• Curiculum vitae
• 2 recommendation letters
• Statement letter

The application deadline is April 15, 2008. The application must be sent to: lsl at ua.pt

Additional information:

http://www.eracareers.pt/opportunities/index.aspx?task=global&jobId=8558 or http://www.ieeta.pt/atri

Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) School of Computer Science and Communication (CSC) Centre for Autonomous Systems (CAS) Computational Vision and Active Perception Laboratory (CVAP)

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions, starting as soon as possible after March 2008. The posts are to work on major EU funded projects due 2012: GRASP (Emergence of Cognitive Grasping through Emulation, Introspection, and Surprise), and CogX (Cognitive Systems that Self-Understand and Self-Extend).

The first post will be concerned with sensor (visual, tactile) guided object grasping and manipulation with specific consideration on object grasping and manipulation ontologies. The second post is concerned with spatial modeling and navigation. The focus of the research will depend on the background of the candidate and personal initiative. The research environment will offer possibilities for a strong international collaboration, supervision of graduate students and teaching.

CAS performs research in (semi-) autonomous systems including mobile robot systems for manufacturing, domestic and field applications. Research at CVAP considers all aspects of computer vision and machine learning.

More information can be found at: http://www.csc.kth.se/cvap & http://www.cas.kth.se

Requirements Candidates should have a Ph.D. or equivalent in one of the areas of Computer Science, Automatic Control, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learaning. Candidates are also expected to be experienced with programming in C++ and Matlab. The appointment will be full time for a period of one year to three years.

Application and further information Applications should include a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and the names and contact information of two referees. For more information, contact dani@kth.se. The applications should be sent by email to dani@kth.se and they will be processed as soon as they are submitted.

1. Haptic Exploration and Spatial Mapping

The Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics at Johns Hopkins University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to participate in projects related to haptic exploration and object recognition. The successful candidate will be expected to (1) develop algorithms for haptic exploration, spatial mapping, and object recognition by autonomous robots, and (2) participate in the development of an experimental testbed for haptic exploration with robotic manipulators. The project leaders are Gregory Hager (PI), Noah Cowan, and Allison Okamura.

The postdoc will also be encouraged to participate in other projects related to haptics and manipulation within the newly established Laboratory for Computational Sensing and Robotics and the Center for Computer-Integrated Surgical Systems and Technology. The position is available immediately and is renewable annually for up to two years, with further extensions possible based on performance and available funding. Applications will be reviewed starting immediately and will be considered until the position is filled. Requirements: Solid knowledge and experience with C++, robotic system integration, modeling, and manipulator control. Experience with SLAM, computer vision, computer graphics, haptic virtual environments, and teleoperation is also desirable. To apply, email the following items in a single pdf file to Luwanna Spells (Please put LCSR HAPTIC EXPLORATION POSTDOC on the Subject line):

1. brief summary of qualifications, experience
2. expected Ph.D. graduation date (or available start date)
3. dissertation title, abstract
4. name and email addresses of at least two references
5. relevant courses taken
6. CV

2. Haptic Devices and Control for Medical Robotics

The Haptics Laboratory (PI, Allison Okamura) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to participate in projects related to haptic device design and control, teleoperation, medical robotics, tissue modeling, and human performance/psychophysics. The chosen individual will have direct responsibility for projects related to haptic feedback in robot-assisted surgery. These projects will involve close collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

The position will start as early as January 2008 and is renewable annually for up to two years, with further extensions possible based on performance and available funding. To apply, email the following items in a single pdf file to Luwanna Spells (Please put LCSR HAPTIC FEEDBACK POSTDOC on the Subject line):

1. brief summary of qualifications, experience
2. expected Ph.D. graduation date (or available start date)
3. dissertation title, abstract
4. name and email addresses of at least two references
5. relevant courses taken
6. CV

Applications are invited for two Research Fellowships, starting as soon as possible after 1 February 2008 on a project due to end on 30 June 2012. The posts are to work on two major EU funded projects: CoSy: Cognitive Systems for Cognitive Assistants, and CogX: Cognitive Systems that Self-Understand and Self-Extend.

The first post (Ref S43238) will be concerned with the learning of affordances of objects via simple manipulation. The work will in the later stages look at modular motor learning as a framework for carrying out this activity. The research will be concerned with integrating novel methods in computer vision with manipulation abilities to allow the robot to acquire knowledge about the behaviour of objects by experimental manipulation. You will have a strong background in robotic manipulation and computer vision.

The second post (Ref S43237) will be concerned with planning information processing and information gathering within a cognitive architecture. The person appointed to this post will work on new methods for reasoning and planning about sensing and perceptual processing in a mobile robot able to manipulate objects, with an emphasis on visual processing. One goal of the work will be to develop new methods for choosing sensing actions and making inferences about a scene when the robot has to make decisions about where to look, and what visual processing to perform. Another goal will be to develop new planning techniques that combine the benefits of decision theoretic planning with those of symbolic planning to support a robot that can reason about what it can learn, and cope with uncertainty in action and sensing. You will have a strong background in probabilistic reasoning, and preferably of planning algorithms.

You will work in a team of six researchers at Birmingham and along with partner groups in five other universities. The CoSy project is described at : http://www.cognitivesystems.org and http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/research/projects/cosy/. Information on the CogX project is available at http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/research/robotics/ .

You must hold or be working towards the achievement of a PhD in Computer Science, AI, Cognitive Science, Engineering or a related subject, OR equivalent research experience, including if possible robotics/vision research experience and linux expertise. In exceptional circumstances we will consider appointment from someone in a related field with relevant experience, such as Psychology or Neuroscience. You will need excellent programming skills, in C/C++ or Java, together with the ability to engineer software to very high standards of reliability.

Informal enquiries (preferably by email) to Dr Jeremy Wyatt. Applications should be sent to Ms. Jo Gerald.

Details also from 0121 415 9000 or http://www.hr.bham.ac.uk/jobs. Please see full text of posting here.

Deadline: 9 January 2008

The Advanced Computational Research Laboratory, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, USA invites applications for a postdoctoral position to work on a project funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the NIH on developing real time surgical simulation technology. The ideal candidate will develop the next generation surgical simulator based on advanced physics-based computational methods in collaboration with surgeons from Harvard Medical School.

Desired background:

• Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or related field.

• Strong background in Computer Graphics. Specific knowledge in real time rendering is a plus.

• Background in collision detection and response algorithms

• Excellent programming skills especially in C++

• Experience in developing virtual environments involving haptics.

• Background in high performance scientific computations

• Sound background in mechanics and finite elements

Application procedure: Interested candidates may apply to Professor Suvranu De with a cover letter, detailed CV, a copy of the publication deemed as best representative of the candidate’s creative research, and names and email addresses of three referees. Applications from minority and women are especially encouraged.

Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Engineer

Location: Columbia University (New York City)

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University in the city of New York is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Engineer to work on a NIH-funded project. The successful candidate must meet the following requirements: an earned Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering is required, with proven experience in mechanical design, C++ programming, robotics/automation, computer vision and software & hardware integration under both Windows and Linux RTAI. Experience in medical field is desirable. Strong communication skills and team management. E-mail Prof. Nabil Simaan at: ns2236@columbia.edu or Lawrence Yao at: YLY1@columbia.edu.

Columbia University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer; minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Job Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/mece/arma/Open%20positions/open_positions.shtml

E-mail Proff. Nabil Simaan or Lawrence Yao.

Senior Research Officer: Department of Computing and Electronic Systems

Location: Colchester

Details:

• Ref: RE490
• Salary: £27,466-£29,139
• Closing Date: 23/11/07

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Research Officer for a fixed term of three years on a Leverhulme-funded project “System Identification for Rapid Generation of Transparent, Analysable Control Code for Autonomous Mobile Robots”.

The purpose of the project is to develop novel machine learning methods, based on system identification, that allow the automatic translation of observed behaviour into control code, without resorting to traditional robot programming methods. The successful candidate will study robot-environment interaction, applying system identification tools such as narmax methods to the automatic control code generation for autonomous mobile robots. The project is based at the University of Essex and conducted jointly with the University of Sheffield.

Candidates should have a PhD in computer science or engineering sciences, and preferably some knowledge of (mobile) robotics, C programming and system identification.

Appointment to this full-time, fixed-term 36-month post will be from 1 April 2008.

Further information can be found at http://cswww.essex.ac.uk/staff/udfn/.

EU project manager & Postdoctoral/PhD researcher

Location: SMS Lab, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Details: ETH Zurich in collaboration with University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland, is currently establishing the new European project MIMICS. The focus of MIMICS is to develop novel neuro-rehabilitation strategies for stroke and spinal cord injured patients. Virtual reality (VR) technologies and patient-cooperative control methods shall be incorporated in order to facilitate patient motivation and engagement. The following two positions shall be filled as soon as possible:

EU PROJECT MANAGER: The postdoctoral or postgraduate candidate should coordinate the entire MIMICS network (5 partners in CH, D, ESP, SLO). This includes controlling of overall technological progress and finances, administration, organization of project meetings, preparation of reports, communication of results, etc. The management work can be combined with scientific work. The successful candidate should have experience in project management and research or development, preferably in the field of rehabilitation, biomedical engineering, robotics or VR. Industrial experience is appreciated.

POSTDOCTORAL OR PHD RESEARCHER: The candidate should perform research on robot-aided patient-cooperative control strategies that assists patient gait just as little as needed. The candidate should design, implement, and experimentally verify the new strategies and devices on patients. Profound engineering background is required. Specific experience in movement science, kinesiology, biomechanics, or similar fields is advantageous. The position is embedded in a multi-disciplinary scientific team of engineers, physicians and therapists.

The successful candidates will be employed by the Sensory-Motor Systems (SMS) Lab of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich. The SMS Lab operates several research facilities as well as a powerful mechatronics machine shop. It has a close collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injury Center of the University Hospital Zurich.

We are looking for communicative and scientifically interested candidates with broad practical experiences. Both positions will be at 60-100% employment, ready to be filled as soon as possible. For questions regarding this position please contact Prof. Dr. Robert Riener; Tel. +41-44- 6326679). If you are interested please send your CV, a brief motivation letter, copies of university attestations and scores, and at least 2 references to Hansjörg Tschachtli, key code: MIMICS, Human Resources ETH Zurich, TUR F 16, Turnerstrasse 1, 8092 Zurich, hansjoerg.tschachtli@pa.ethz.ch

Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) – Rio Tinto Centre for Mine Automation Scholarships in Field Robotics

Details: The Australian Centre for Field Robotics (ACFR) at the University of Sydney has established a major new Centre for Mine Automation with the vision of a fully autonomous, remotely operated mine.

The ACFR is seeking students interested in PhD research in the area of autonomous systems, including data fusion, perception, control, learning and systems to be part of this exciting new initiative and apply for a full time scholarship sponsored by Rio Tinto. Participants will work first-hand with world-players in these subjects, including senior experts from Rio Tinto.

Applicants should have a first class honours degree in mechanical/mechatronics engineering, mining engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautical/aerospace engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science or related discipline or extensive appropriate professional experience. Each scholarship is valued at $25,365 p.a. (tax exempt). The scholarship will be supplemented by access to overseas travel grants and other allowances.

Additional information on the Centre’s activities may be found at http://www.acfr.usyd.edu.au/.

To submit an application: Please include a curriculum vitae, an academic transcript and the names and contact details of two referees. A statement of the broad area of your research interest should also be included.

Please send to Ms Ruth Olip (Tel: +61 (2) 9351 8146). Closing date is December 31, 2008.

University of New Mexico – Graduate Research Assistants

Details: Graduate Research Assistant positions for MS and Ph.D. students are currently available in the area of robotics, image processing, swarm robotics, and related fields. The support package includes a stipend of approximately $26,000 + tuition + health insurance, per year, renewable based on progress.

Candidates should send a resume, a 2-5 page letter of research goals, and academic records to Heather Williams, Coordinator of Program Advisement, who will direct you to the appropriate application forms.

Contact her by email: hw@unm.edu, tel: (505) 277-2762, fax: (505) 277-1571, or mail: The University of New Mexico, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, Rm 202, MSC01-1150, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1386

• ICRA 2007 Jobs Page
• Computer Vision Jobs Page (a site similar to this wiki)
• Robotics Worldwide

• Robotics and Automation Society

Note: ALL employers listed are equal opportunity employers (unless otherwise stated). RSS feed care of Liz Harte.

For questions, comments, concerns, more information, etc., please contact Surya Singh @ U. Syd..