Faculty IV - Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Reference number: SCIoI-C5-46B
starting at 01/06/23; limited for 3 years; applications deadline 24/11/22
The Technische Universität Berlin invites applications for a researcher position for the Cluster of Excellence “Science of Intelligence”. What are the principles of intelligence, shared by all forms of intelligence, no matter whether artificial or biological, whether robot, computer program, human, or animal? And how can we apply these principles to create intelligent technology? Answering these questions - in an ethically responsible way - is the central scientific objective of the new Cluster of Excellence Science of Intelligence (https://www.scienceofintelligence.de), where researchers from a large number of analytic and synthetic disciplines - artificial intelligence, machine learning, control, robotics, computer vision, behavioral biology, psychology, educational science, neuroscience, and philosophy - join forces to create a multi-disciplinary research program across universities and research institutes in Berlin. Interdisciplinary research projects have been defined (https://www.scienceofintelligence.de/research/projects), which combine analytic and synthetic research and which address key aspects of individual, social, and collective intelligence.
Working field: Project: Lockbox 2.0
Project: Intelligent mechanical problem solving in mice and machines - computational ethology
In this project, we will study how mice learn and solve complex mechanical puzzles, so-called „lockboxes”. We have previous been able to show that they are able to do so surprisingly well, but much further research is needed to understand which strategies they use. The starting point is the analysis of a large body of video material recorded while the mice learn and solve these puzzles, by means of computer vision, machine learning and computational models. Based on these analyses, we will develop further experiments to gain further insights into the intelligent strategies the mice use to solve such problems. The project requires a close collaboration with partners from behavioral biology.
Duties:
- Analysis of video material and development and refinement of computer vision algorithms
- Automated evaluation of behavior
- Modeling of behavior using, e.g., reinforcement learning
- Interaction within the SCIoI cluster of excellence
- Compilation of the results for presentations, project reports, and publications
Responsibilities include scientific research within the project and academic services in the Cluster. PhD position includes the enrollment in the Cluster's doctoral program. All positions require participation in research colloquia, lecture series and workshops, as well as an active engagement in the Cluster's research activities.
Requirements: Applicants must hold a Diplom/Master’s degree in a highly quantitative field (e.g., mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering). The ideal candidate has a background in machine learning, with expertise in both reinforcement learning and computer vision. A completed PhD is an advantage but is not required.
- excellent mathematical skills
- in-depth programming skills (C/C++, Python, Matlab)
- very good command of English, both written and spoken
- strong interest in visual perception and machine learning
- a keen interest in understanding intelligence and animal behavior, and the strong communicative skills required for interdisciplinary research
- conscientious work approach, flexibility, good time management, and ability to work in a team
Application procedure:
Candidates should upload their application preferably via the portal http://jobs.scienceofintelligence.de in order to receive full consideration. Applications should include: motivation letter, curriculum vitae, transcripts of records (for both B.Sc. and M.Sc.), copies of degree certificates (B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD if applicable), abstracts of Bachelor-, Master- and (if applicable) PhD thesis, list of publications and one selected manuscript (if applicable), two names of qualified persons who are willing to provide references, and any documents candidates feel may help us assess their competence.
Click here for the legally binding announcement in German
