Job Opportunity


Unique Post-Doc Opportunity in Perception-based Robotics: Modularizing Actions for Collaborative Robots


    One of the challenging applications in autonomous systems design is to enable robots to collaborate with humans in daily activities. To advance generalization of actions, requires a modularization of actions and development of flexible modules that involve vision, learning from humans, motor control and planning.

    Project Synopsis
    The Maryland Robotics Center (MRC) at the University of Maryland, College Park, recently launched the MRC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. As part of this program, we are seeking a postdoctoral candidate under the theme Human-Robot Interactions. The study brings together the fields of Computer Vision and Control, with the overarching goal of enhancing the functionality and fidelity of human-robot interactions to enable generalization of actions. The goal of this project is to develop a modular framework for active vision systems performing tasks. As specific application we seek to develop modules for robots of different hardware configuration performing tasks of everyday living. The robotic platforms in our lab include UR 10 robotics arms, three-finger grippers, a Shadow hand, as well as a Baxter and Sawyer robot.

    Minimum Qualifications
    Applicants are required to have a Ph.D. in engineering, computer science, or a related field by the expected start date for this position, July 1, 2018. Applicants should be intellectually curious researchers at an early stage in their scholarly career, with a demonstrated capacity for independent work. We recognize that strength comes through diversity and actively seek and welcome people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We encourage women and minority candidates to apply.

    Preferred Qualifications
    A research background in Robotics, Robot Vision, or Control, while not essential, is advantageous.

    Application Materials
    1. Applicant’s CV, including publication list.
    2. Contact information for three references, preferably including PhD thesis advisor, who can provide an assessment of the applicant’s qualifications and potential for innovative independent research.

    Email application materials to fer[at]cfar[dot]umd[dot]edu and yiannis[at]cs[dot]umd[dot]edu. This project has funding guaranteed for one year, and benefits will be provided. Renewing beyond the first year is subject to funding availability and performance.


           

 info[at]prg.cs.umd.edu