The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
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School of Science - Computer Science
Fixed Term until June 2020 in the first instance
A position of Research Associate is available at the Computer Science Department, School of Science, Loughborough University, UK, on the topics of the evolution of lifelong learning in neural networks.
The aim of the research is to develop new neuroevolution algorithms and neural plasticity for lifelong learning. The objectives are to devise machine learning systems that autonomously adapt to changing conditions such as variation of the data distribution, variation of the problem domain or parameters, with minimal human intervention. The approach will use neuroevolution, neuromodulation, and other methodologies to continuously discover and update learning strategies, implement selective plasticity, and achieve continual learning.
For an overview of the research direction, see the paper: Born to Learn: the Inspiration, Progress and Future of Evolved Plastic Artificial Neural Networks https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315710249_Born_to_Learn_the_Inspiration_Progress_and_Future_of_Evolved_Plastic_Artificial_Neural_Networks
Application areas include a variety of automation and machine learning problems, e.g. vision, control, and robotics, with a particular focus on resilience and autonomy.
The research associate and Ph.D. students, based at the Computer Science Department, will work on a project funded by DARPA in an international team: see further details on the project and team at: http://www.hrl.com/news/2018/07/19/stellar-system-will-enable-autonomous-systems-to-learn-for-life
The Research Associate is expected to contribute to actively supervise two Ph.D. students on this project. There will be opportunities for collaboration and travel. The Research Associate will have access to a number of robotic platforms such as mobile and flying robots, manufacturing robots, High Performance Computing clusters, and GPU computing. The Computer Science Department and robotics laboratories have ongoing collaborations with large industries and programs to promote start-ups.
Loughborough University is ranked 7th in the UK in the 2019 League Table Ranking http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/loughborough/performance ), and is located in Loughborough, a town well connected to London by a 1h20m journey by train.
The ideal candidate will possess a Ph.D. in Computer Science or related areas with a strong publication record, coding abilities, predisposition to work in a team and independence, passion for science, solid work ethics. Excellent English language skills are also essential (see requirements here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/englang/index.htm )
Interested candidates are invited to send preliminary inquiries to a.soltoggio@lboro.ac.uk including a CV, a selection of 3 papers written as first author, a list of references, and a statement of about 300 words motivating their interest in this area of research, in addition to submission of a University application form.
Application Closing Date: 31 August 2018
Please follow this link for further details