The Kavraki group at Rice University (http://www.kavrakilab.org) is seeking candidates to fill one postdoctoral research associate position in robotics.
Over the past ten years, the Kavraki Lab has developed significant expertise in generating motion from specifications given in formal logic or some AI task planning language. The long-term goal is to enable a user to specify what needs to be done while not providing all the details of how to complete a task and while retaining the ability to intervene and change plans or specify preferences. The current project focuses on the integration of motion planning and task planning with emphasis on robotic manipulation in scenarios where the human and the robot may have varying roles. The research will also address issues that relate to the reliability, safety, correctness, and scalability of task and motion planning. The developed work will be demonstrated using state-of-the-art robots.
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Robotics, or a related field. Prior work in robotics and AI is required. Other required skills include excellent analytical skills, excellent software engineering skills, experience with programming in C++, and excellent writing skills. The ideal applicant will have a passion for bringing together theory and practice in robotics research. Candidates with expertise in one of robotics motion planning, AI planning, machine learning, formal methods and program verification/synthesis will be given higher priority. Prior experience in working with actual robots is also desirable. This position is particularly suited for candidates who want to follow a career in academia; the position can include formal training for obtaining and succeeding in an academic position, if the candidate desires so. The Kavraki Lab has an excellent record of placing postdoctoral researchers in academic positions as evidenced by its alumni.
Postdoctoral research associates are eligible for up to two years of support. All re-appointments are dependent upon a satisfactory progress review and continued funding.
As a leading research university with a distinctive commitment to undergraduate education, Rice University (http://www.rice.edu) aspires to path breaking research, unsurpassed teaching, and contributions to the betterment of our world. It seeks to fulfill this mission by cultivating a diverse community of learning and discovery that produces leaders across the spectrum of human endeavor. Rice University, an equal opportunity employer and a Tier 1 Research University, is located in the vibrant urban setting of Houston, TX, the fourth largest city in the U.S. Rice is ranked No. 17 in National Universities in the 2020 edition of US News Best Colleges and No. 2 for Quality of Life in the Princeton Review’s 2018 edition of “The Best 382 Colleges”.
The Kavraki Lab (http://www.kavrakilab.org) develops the technology that will enable robots to work with and support people. We work on algorithms for motion planning for high-dimensional systems with kinematic and dynamic constraints, integrated frameworks for reasoning under sensing and control uncertainty, novel methods for learning and for using experiences, and ways to instruct robots at a high level and collaborate with them. Our research is inspired by a variety of applications: from robots that will assist people in their home, to robots that would build space habitats.
Interested applicants should contact Professor Lydia Kavraki (kavraki@rice.edu) and provide a CV and a one paragraph statement about their interest in the advertised position. Please include the names of at least three references in the CV.
The position is available immediately and applications will be accepted until this position is filled.