The Department of Knowledge Engineering (DKE) at Maastricht University, Netherlands, is looking for an excellent researcher at the level of PostDoc or Assistant Professor in the field of robot control and human-robot interfaces. The position will be adjusted to the experience of the candidate; it is possible to immediately start as Assistant Professor - or as a PostDoc and to become promoted to Assistant Professor at a later point.

PROJECT AND JOB DESCRIPTION

The advertised position is embedded in the Advanced Brain-Robot Interfaces Initiative at Maastricht University. Within this project, members of SwarmLab are designing and constructing multiple novel autonomously operating modular and wearable robots to be controlled through advanced brain-robot and human-robot interfaces. The candidate is expected to play a leading role in the control of the wearable and self-reconfigurable modular robots. Further tasks include work on human intention decoding, and the exploration of human-robot-interfaces. The candidate is also expected to support us in the supervision of PhD students, building infrastructure at SwarmLab, acquisition of research funding, and teaching.

REQUIREMENTS

The candidate should have a Ph.D. in robotics or a closely related field. We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with demonstrated research excellence in controlling advanced robotic systems (e.g., modular robots, swarm robots, legged robots, humanoid robots or exoskeletons) and interest in human-robot interfaces. We are looking only for candidates with practical experience in operating advanced robotic systems. Experience in brain-robot interfaces, vision processing, eye tracking, augmented reality, and/or modelling of user intentions is considered a strong advantage. Experience and demonstrated expertise in giving classes at the bachelor and/or master level is a prerequisite for the Assistant Professor level.  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is initially offered for a four-year period, with yearly evaluation. Subject to evaluation and funding, the position is eligible to become permanent after four years or earlier. Salary is competitive, depending on qualifications and work experience. At the PostDoc level, the salary will be set in salary scale 10 of the collective labour agreement of the Dutch Universities (expected minimum € 2476 and maximum € 3908) for a full-time job (38 hours/week).

At the Assistant Professor level, the salary will be set in salary scale 11 with preliminary scale 10 (expected minimum € 3.324 and maximum € 4.551) for a full-time job (38 hours/week). On top of these salaries, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance. Non-Dutch applicants could be eligible for a favourable tax treatment (30% rule).

INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT

Swarmlab: http://swarmlab.unimaas.nl/

Department of Knowledge Engineering: http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Schools/DKE.htm

Maastricht University: http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are asked to send their application - curriculum vitae, publication list, and the names of at least two persons who can provide recommendation letters - to Recruitmentfhs@maastrichtuniversity.nl (preferably in a single PDF document). Please mention “application – Robot Control and Human-Robot Interfaces” in the subject line of the application mail. Moreover, please state in your mail for what level (PostDoc, Assistant Professor, both) you are applying.

Applications received by September 15, 2015 will receive full consideration. It is intended to fill this position as soon as possible.

Informal inquiries concerning this position can be directed to

Dr. Rico Mockel, DKE, rico.mockel@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Prof. Gerhard Weiss, DKE, gerhard.weiss@maastrichtuniversity.nl