The Kavraki group (http://www.kavrakilab.org) seeks candidates to fill one postdoctoral position. The group develops novel computational methodologies for enabling 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 using experiences, and ways to instruct robots at a high level and collaborate with them. Our research is inspired by various applications, from robots that will assist people in their homes to robots that will build space habitats.
The postdoctoral associate will contribute to our efforts to solve long-horizon problems in robotics involving one or more than one robots. In particular, we are interested in interpretable Task and Motion Planning (TAMP) methods that can deal with increasing uncertainty in the environment while not sacrificing their strengths and providing a structured framework that allows for a meaningful connection with emerging model-free approaches. We are also interested in meaningful decompositions of long-horizon tasks, addressing pathological uncertainty in TAMP (when there is so little information that there is effectively a gap), and using implicit and learned representations for incorporating difficult-to-model information such as human preferences and critiques. The project uses generative AI models for robotics and seeks to exploit their capabilities for TAMP solutions. This project combines ideas from motion planning and control under uncertainty, optimization theory, probability and statistics, inverse reinforcement learning, imitation learning, generative AI for robotics, classical AI planning, and formal methods. It involves methods development, prototype implementations, and hands-on work with robotic platforms to demonstrate the results.
The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. An emphasis on robotics in prior work is also required. The position is ideal for a candidate who, in the future, seeks to apply for a faculty or research position. Training in grant writing and student supervision will be provided. Rice University also has a structured program for postdoctoral candidates interested in academic positions.
The position is for one year and is renewable upon satisfactory progress.
Interested applicants should contact Professor Lydia Kavraki (kavraki@rice.edu) and provide (a) a CV, (b) the names of three or more references, (c) a one-page description of their earlier work and (d) a one-paragraph statement about their interest in the advertised position.
The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until this position is filled.
Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university in the heart of Houston (recently ranked the most diverse city in America), adjacent to the Museum District and Texas Medical Center. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of approximately 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (U.S. News & World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 US universities. The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment, with rankings of #8 for percent URM faculty, #14 for female faculty, and #4 for underrepresented undergraduate students among AAU institutions. Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.