The Autonomous Intelligent Systems Group in the Institute of Computer Science at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a
Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level TV-L E 13)
at the earliest possible date. We are offering this full-time position for an initial term of 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester. The position is in the field of Machine Learning with a focus on learning in neural networks especially in a multi-agent context. In the Autonomous Intelligent Systems group, we investigate how decentralized learning systems can jointly take over control tasks and thus produce emergent behaviour. We use such decentralized and biologically inspired control architectures for the adaptive control of legged robots and for learning, for example, control systems by means of Deep Reinforcement Learning. The investigation of the interaction of different agents currently offers a good field of application and research when transferred to groups of specialized large language models. With this position, we expect fundamental research in the field of decentralized learning in neural network architectures, in particular, in relation to the transfer between different tasks. In terms of design of the position, there are options in one of the areas mentioned, for example, in robotics with the goal of a model-based deep reinforcement learning approach and an associated hierarchical and decentralized control architecture. This position is a PhD position and you will have the opportunity to work closely with other researchers working in robotics or, for example, learning predictive models using graph-based neural networks.
Your tasks:
- Research activities including conceptualizing your doctoral project in the area of decentralized learning of neural networks, for example, with reference to model-based deep reinforcement learning in robotics or the connection to multi-agent systems in the context of Large Language Models
- Participation in the teaching activities of the AIS Group, e.g., tutoring in practical courses or of student projects
- Assisting with the operational tasks involved in the daily running of the institute
This position is tied to working towards your doctoral qualification.
Our expectations:
- A graduate degree (i.e. a German Diploma or Master’s degree or equivalent) in Computer Science, Data Science or a closely related field of study is required.
- Knowledge of fundamental concepts in the area of Machine Learning. Advanced knowledge in Deep Reinforcement Learning, Neural Networks, Robotics, XAI, or Geometric Deep Learning are a plus.
- Very good programming experience (Python, C++, …)
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills are essential.
- You should be team-oriented, have good communication skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.
- German language skills are not a requirement, but a willingness to learn is desirable.
What we offer:
We are offering you a research associate position in our newly founded group. You will have the opportunity to work with our team on fundamental research in the area of Deep Reinforcement Learning and build on our current approaches to controlling robots.
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
Are you interested in joining our team?
Let´s get in touch! If you have any further questions, just drop us an email at malte.schilling@uni-muenster.de or we can arrange a call.
To apply, please send your application documents (including CV, relevant certificates up to and including the university entrance qualification, and your earliest possible starting date) to Clara Wigger at the address below.
We look forward to receiving your detailed application by 2024-07-15!
University of Münster
Computer Science Institute
Prof. Dr. Malte Schilling
We would ask you to send in all documents as a single PDF file. Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.
Reference number: 2024_05_45
