PhD on improving human-robot collaboration (HRC) using brain-computer interfaces

You will work closely with Dr. Maryam Alimardani from the Department of Computer Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Dr. Herke van Hoof from Amsterdam Machine Learning Lab (AMLab), University of Amsterdam on the topic of neuroadaptive human-robot collaboration.

The project is focused on improving human-robot collaboration (HRC) using human brain signals as implicit feedback for robot learning. Specifically, we aim to employ EEG-based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to extract brain responses associated with human perception of robot’s errors during a collaborative task. The extracted EEG response will then be employed in a Reinforcement Learning (RL) framework to optimize robot learning and behavior.

This project is part of the larger Hybrid Intelligence (HI) project with the goal to create responsible intelligent systems that work together with humans as teams while adapting to their strength and needs.

Within the context of the proposed projects, you will get the opportunity to:

• Work in a dynamic and collaborative research environment at the VU Amsterdam.
• Experience collaboration and network within the Hybrid Intelligence consortium.
• Access to state-of-the-art research equipment including robots and wearable sensors in the lab.
• Contribute to impactful research with real-world applications.
• Get your research fully funded, including support for travel to conferences and publications.
• Participate in innovative training modules, including a series of hands-on workshops that provide technical, transferable, and presentation skills, international conferences, and outreach activities.

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in artificial intelligence, computer science, or a related discipline, with excellent performance.
• Eagerness to engage in interdisciplinary research.
• Experience with machine learning techniques.
• Experience with or enthusiasm for EEG sensors, signal processing techniques and BCIs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and MATLAB.
• Fluency in English (both written and spoken).
• Good communication skills both verbally and written.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Prior experience in research and scientific projects.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

a) Note that this job opening is one of several job openings on the HI page with job openings. You can apply to more than just this one. If you do so, please inform the Hybrid Intelligence Centre’s Project Manager via email of the projects you are applying to.

b) We aim to create hybrid intelligence for everyone, see also our Diversity Statement. To do this, we need an inclusive and diverse team of researchers. We especially encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply for this job.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile PhD candidate. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 18 months with the possibility of extension after satisfactory evaluation (4 years in total).

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• hybrid working enables a good work-life balance

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