Research Associate in Natural Language Processing and Cognitive Robotics (ERC eTALK)

Job reference: SAE-025097
Salary: £36,024-£44,263 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Department of Computer Science
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date: 04/04/2024
Contract Duration: Fixed Term for 48 Months
School/Directorate: School of Engineering

A 4-year postdoctoral position is available as part of the ERC Advanced Project “eTALK: embodied Thought for Abstract Language Knowledge”. The project will develop and test a novel cognitive developmental architecture utilising the latest generative deep learning models and developmental robotics methods for human-robot interaction experiments on the learning of concrete and abstract words via grounding transfer. Three case studies have been strategically planned to show the breadth and robustness of the proposed approach: (i) abstract word grounding for perceptual, motor and affective concepts, (ii) number word learning, and (iii) function words for demonstrative (deictic) prepositions, words about time and fuzzy quantifiers. This project is also link to the other ongoing granst on cognitive robotics and human-robot interaction at the Cognitive Robotics Lab.

The candidates will carry out research on the design of robot cognitive architectures for abstract work learning, as per eTALK project plan. A PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence or allied disciplines is required. Excellent programming skills are essential, as well as robotics and/or machine learning skills. Previous experience and publication track record in robot cognitive modelling or AI is an essential requirement.

The research fellows will be working collaboratively as part of the Cognitive Robotics Lab at the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manchester under the supervision of Professor Angelo Cangelosi. Close collaboration with the other project partners will also be required.

Expected start date of the post is 1^st July 2024.

Informal enquiries regarding the post, the project or the research details can be made to Prof Angelo Cangelosi (angelo.cangelosi@manchester.ac.uk).

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Angelo Cangelosi 

Email: angelo.cangelosi@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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