Description of Open Position and a New Talk
Jeff Clune
Two fully funded Ph.D. positions are available in any of the following areas, especially in combinations of them: evolving artificial intelligence, neural networks, robotics, and deep learning. Postdoctoral positions are also available, but under different funding arrangements (please email jeff...@cornell.edu for details). Positions ideally start January 2013, but applications will be reviewed until the positions are filled.
I (Jeff Clune) am starting up a new lab at the University of Wyoming and am seeking two people interested in earning a Ph.D. in computer science. The lab focus is on evolving artificial intelligence by producing artificially intelligent robots, including physical robots and agents in simulated worlds, such as video games. The lab will also study other bio-inspired AI techniques, such as deep learning. Part of these efforts will involve investigating how evolution produced the complex, intelligent, diverse life on this planet by trying to computationally recreate it. A major focus will be on evolving large-scale, structurally organized neural networks (i.e. networks with millions of connections that are modular, regular, and hierarchical). I am also interested in combining neuroevolution with learning algorithms (Hebbian, neuromodulation, etc.).
Here is a video that summarizes my research: http://goo.gl/wA6Fe
Please see my website (http://JeffClune.com) for example publications, press articles about the work, videos, etc. Here are some keywords that describe related fields: evolutionary algorithms (also known as genetic algorithms or evolutionary computation), neural networks (including evolving neural networks, having them learn, deep learning, and computational neuroscience), robotics, artificial intelligence, and research into the evolution of intelligence, complexity, evolvability, and diversity.
If you are interested in joining the lab or would like more information about the positions, please follow the instructions at http://jeffclune.com/positionsAvailable.html
The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a college town in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. Nestled between two mountain ranges, Laramie has more than 300 days of sunshine a year and is home to year-round outdoor activities including hiking, camping, rock climbing, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, fishing and mountain biking. Laramie is also near many of Colorado's major cities and university communities (e.g. Fort Collins, Boulder, and Denver).
The University of Wyoming is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital, veteran or any other legally protected status.
Best regards,
Jeff Clune
Visiting Scientist
Cornell University