The Italian Institute of Technology (an English language research institute) has openings for:

The Advanced Robotics Department at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow with experience/interest in topics related to robot programming by demonstration, applied machine learning, adaptive control or human-robot interaction. Robotics research at IIT concentrates on a multidisciplinary approach to “humanoid technologies” encompassing machine learning and artificial cognition, leading to technologies and systems with human-like features and performance.

The successful applicant will join and help to develop a team studying novel approaches in robot programming by demonstration to endow the humanoid platform iCub and the force/torque controlled Barrett WAM robotic arm with adaptive and flexible controllers for learning manipulatory tasks in dynamic environment. By taking inspiration from the way humans learn new tasks by imitation, research will be conducted to provide robots with the capability to develop skills through human guidance and to collaborate safely with users through compliant kinaesthetic interaction.

The candidates are expected to have an Engineering BSc/MSc degree (EE, CS or Physics/Maths) and a PhD degree in Robotics/Computer Science (not necessarily in human-robot interaction) with a strong background in machine learning and/or adaptive motor control. Strong programming skills in C, C++, MATLAB or equivalent are also required. Applicants demonstrating excellence in other related areas are encouraged to apply. International applications are encouraged and will receive logistic support with visa issues.

Salaries will be dependent on experience and will be in the range 30k-40k Euros per year excluding additional pension, health, etc benefits. Contracts are for up to 4 years with possible future career options on successful completion.

For further information contact Sylvain.Calinoniit.it or Darwin.Caldwelliit.it

Applications, including cover letter, CV, and the contact information for at least two references should be emailed to

Floriana.Sardiiit.it (+39 010 71781 407), Sylvain.Calinoniit.it and Darwin.Caldwelliit.it by Friday March 26th 2010.

Additional information:

Advanced Robotics Department, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT):

Humanoid robot iCub: