Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Abteilung Haushalt und Personal

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - Institute for Computer Science

The EU project METATOOL aims to provide a computational model of synthetic awareness to enhance adaptation and achieve tool invention. This will enable a robot to monitor and self- evaluate its performance, ground and reuse this information for adapting to new circumstances, and finally unlock the possibility of creating new tools. Under the predictive account of awareness, and based on both neuroscientific and archeological evidence, we will develop a novel computational model of metacognition based on predictive processing (metaprediction) and validate its utility in real robots in two use case scenarios: conditional sequential tasks and tool creation.

At Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, we will develop and investigate computational models for tool-use and tool invention based on predictive processing paradigms. The models will be evaluated and implemented in robots interacting with tools in a real physical environment.

Job Description:

• Participation in the EU project METATOOL

(A metapredictive model of synthetic awareness for enabling tool invention)

Requirements:

• Completed PhD in Computer Science or related fields (Computational Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences, Robotics, AI, Machine Learning).
• Prior knowledge in computational modelling / machine learning / developmental robotics
• scientific track record
• in-depth programming skills in Python
• very good scientific writing and presentation skills
• very good command of English (spoken and written)
• ability to work in a team, communication and organisational skills
• strong interest in developmental robotics and interdisciplinary research

Please send applications (with cover letter, curriculum vitae and relevant certificates and contact details of two references), and quoting the reference number DR/135/22, to: the Humboldt-University zu Berlin, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute for Computer Science, Prof. Dr. Hafner, (Headquarters: Rudower Chaussee 25, 12489 Berlin) Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin or preferably by e-mail in a PDF file to hafner@informatik.hu-berlin.de.

HU seeks to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourage qualified female researchers to apply. Applications of researchers from abroad are welcome. Preference will be given to disabled persons with equal qualifications. Applicants with migration background are highly welcome.

Data protection information on the processing of your personal data in the context of the tender and selection procedure can be found on the homepage of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: https://hu.berlin/DSGVO.

Please visit our website www.hu-berlin.de/stellenangebote, which gives you access to the legally binding German version.