[Jobs] Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Robotics Perception and Navigation for Agri-robotics (2x posts)

[Riccardo Polvara]

[Sorry for cross-posting]

2 days from application closing soon!

TLDR: Hey, are you interested in making an impact in agricultural robotics? Are you an expert in robotic perception with a focus on instance-level segmentation? Would you like to work with multi-agent systems? We at the Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (L-CAS) are looking for you and we are offering two Post-Doctoral Research Associates (1x fixed-term for 24 months and 1x fixed-term for 15 months) with a research profile in Robotic Perception and Navigation to join.

You can find more details and apply HERE. The application closing date is the 10^th of September 2023.

Brief summary

The University of Lincoln robotics team is working alongside industry partners, and European academic institutions, such as the University of Bonn and ETH Zurich, to design new robotic mapping standards in the outdoor scenarios. The two posts will be involved in two independent projects which align in scope, to design a multi-robot system (involving aerial and ground robots) for data acquisition and integration based on semantic clues. This new mapping framework aims at improving the overall robotic performance and to provide farmers with 360 degrees perspective on their orchards. The principle will be demonstrated by developing robotic systems for vineyards and apple orchard monitoring.

Who we are looking for

One of the key components of the project is to correctly register robotics sensor data (e.g., in the format of point clouds or images) coming from various and different perspectives, with a particular emphasis on application in the agricultural domain. For that purpose, we are looking to recruit a Post-Doctoral Research Associate with interest and experience in at least one of the following research areas:

• Deep learning and machine vision, preferably with a focus on instance-level segmentation;

• Metric/topological robotic mapping and localisation for long-term operation;

• Vision-based navigation for mobile and/or aerial vehicles;

• Simultaneous localization and mapping;

• Software engineering in robotics.

As the applicant, you should demonstrate to have the following essential requirements:

• Excellent research and communication skills (verbal and written)

• A PhD in a relevant area (or expect to soon obtain the PhD)

• Excellent mathematical and coding skills (C++/Python)

• Experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Tensorflow, Keras)

Moreover, it would be desirable if you also possess the followings:

• Experience in programming robots and sensor integration using middleware such as ROS or ROS 2
• Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., git) and software engineering
• A track record of research publication in relevant journals and/or conferences such as IJRR, RSS, ICRA, IROS, RAL, TRO, AURO

This opportunity allows you to engage in international collaboration, work with state-of-the-art robotic hardware and software, and benefit from excellent research support. You will have access to state-of-the-art research farms equipped with industrial standard production facilities and agricultural robots with advanced sensors and tools.

You will be expected to conduct original research and contribute to the Agri-robotics team's wider activities. Evidence of authorship of research outputs of international standing is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including excellent written and spoken communication skills. Opportunities to mentor and co-supervise PhD students working in the project team may also be available.

These are two full-time posts (1x fixed term for 24 months and 1x fixed-term for 15 months), with excellent opportunities for ongoing career development and progression. Informal enquiries about the posts can be made to Dr Riccardo Polvara (email: rpol...@lincoln.ac.uk).

The University of Lincoln is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, as reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We are committed to advancing gender equality in STEM, and female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Kind regards,

	Riccardo Polvara, PhD | Senior Lecturer in Robotics and Autonomous Systems
	Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (LCAS), School of Computer Science University of Lincoln, Bayford Pool, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 7TS. room: INB3121 phone: +44(0)1522835797
	rpol...@lincoln.ac.uk  |  staff profile  |  lcas.lincoln.ac.uk | personal website  |  book time with me