[robocup-worldwide] Two research assistant positions for MSc at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (IST, University of Lisbon)

[Rodrigo Ventura]

(please redistribute; apologies for cross-postings)

Applications are invited for two research assistant positions for MSc at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR), Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon, Portugal.

These positions are part of the FCT project Human-aware Service Robots for Domestic Environments (HARODE), which is focused on the research problems of deploying autonomous robots in domestic environments to perform tasks: integrating human-robot interaction; decision-making under uncertainty; perception; navigation; and object manipulation.

Each candidate should choose one of the following topics:

(1) semantic mapping, that is, the problem of perceiving and representing relevant aspects of a physical environment, such as locations of certain objects and of humans to interact with, as well as of dynamic obstacles. In this studentship, it is expected to explore the capabilities of an onboard omnidirectional camera system and to develop methodologies and algorithms for the core computer vision tasks (namely: image segmentation, object recognition, and person detection).

(2) human-aware planning and execution, comprising the problem of performing tasks where close human involvement is expected, while being capable of detecting and coping with uncertain perception and unexpected events. We expect to follow a classical planning approach, combining a temporal planning representation with an execution and monitoring process, in order for the robot to adapt to the inherent uncertainty of the environment.


The selected candidates will be supervised by Prof. Rodrigo Ventura (for topic 2) and by Dr. Pedro Miraldo (for topic 1). Both are researchers at the Intelligent Robots and Systems group of ISR (https://irsgroup.isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/). Prof. Rodrigo Ventura is also faculty at Instituto Superior Técnico. Dr. Pedro Miraldo is also postdoctoral researcher at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

The research will be conducted at the Institute for Systems and Robotics (ISR/IST), home to more than 40 PhDs and part of the LARSyS (Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering Systems - http://www.larsys.pt). ISR/IST is engaged in a new generation of research challenges pushing the frontiers of knowledge, while offering world-class doctoral training with top universities (e.g. dual/joint degrees with MIT, EPFL, CMU) and fueling the collaboration with industry. ISR/IST develops state-of- the-art engineering solutions and projects with a clear societal impact, and has a long track record of participation in EU and other international projects. ISR/IST hosts 5 groups working in Robotics and Information Processing, Systems and Control Theory, Signal Processing, Computer Vision, Optimization, Intelligent Systems and Biomedical Engineering. (http://www.isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt).

Requirements: the candidates are expected to have a MSc of equivalent degree with strong background in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. Good programming skills are also expected. The working language is English, so good written and oral communication skills are also required.

Duration: 9 months (full time), with possible extension.
Starting date: April, 2019

To request further information and to apply, send an email to both rodrigo.ventura (at) isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt and pmiraldo (at) isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt as soon as possible. Please indicate which topic are you applying to, and include a CV, a statement of interest, and any supporting documents you may consider relevant.

Best regards,
Rodrigo Ventura (http://users2.isr.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/~yoda) 
Pedro Miraldo (https://people.kth.se/~miraldo/)