Two Post Doc positions on foundation models for robot programming and contr

at  Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

TWO POST DOC POSITIONS ON FOUNDATION MODELS FOR ROBOT PROGRAMMING AND CONTROL IN IN DYNAMIC AND UNPREDICTABLE ENVIRONMENTS

• (2400007I)
  Project: Horizon Europe - HORIZON-RIA - Acronym: TORNADO - Project number: 101189557
  Commitment & contract: collaborator, 2 years, temporary contract
  Location: Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems, Via S. Quirico, 19d, 16163 Genova

WHO WE ARE

At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centers around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for talented and motivated postdoctoral researchers to advance the field of adaptive AI and cognitive pipelines in robotics. This position will focus on developing adaptive foundational models (FMs) that empower robots to autonomously adjust their cognitive processes and decision-making when deployed in dynamic and unpredictable environments, significantly reducing the likelihood of AI failures.

As a postdoc in our team, your main responsibilities will include:

• Leading the development of robust, adaptive foundational models for real-time, autonomous adjustments to evolving conditions, objectives, and operational constraints.
• Conducting advanced research on preventing AI failures by designing adaptive mechanisms that enhance system resilience across various scenarios.
• Analyzing, testing, and refining adaptive models in both simulated and real-world environments to ensure reliability, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers and domain experts, to integrate these adaptive models into robotic platforms, enhancing their decision-making and learning capabilities.
• Contributing to publications, presentations, and outreach efforts to disseminate findings and collaborate with external partners in academia and industry.

This position offers an opportunity to be at the forefront of adaptive AI research, with the potential to shape the future of robotics by making systems smarter, more flexible, and capable of handling complex, real-world tasks.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A PhD in Machine Learning, robotics, or similar disciplines
• Strong skills in Python and C++
• Experience on frameworks like Pytorch or TensorFlow
• Experience with ROS
• Confidence with version control tools (specifically git)
• A strong publication record
• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data
• Documented experience in coaching junior scientists
• Good command in spoken and written English

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Good communication skills
• Strong problem solving attitude
• High motivation to learn
• Spirit of innovation and creativity
• Good in time and priority management
• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

• Leading the development of robust, adaptive foundational models for real-time, autonomous adjustments to evolving conditions, objectives, and operational constraints.
• Conducting advanced research on preventing AI failures by designing adaptive mechanisms that enhance system resilience across various scenarios.
• Analyzing, testing, and refining adaptive models in both simulated and real-world environments to ensure reliability, scalability, and effectiveness.
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers and domain experts, to integrate these adaptive models into robotic platforms, enhancing their decision-making and learning capabilities.
• Contributing to publications, presentations, and outreach efforts to disseminate findings and collaborate with external partners in academia and industry