Postdoc Researcher Position in Large Language Models and Robot Learning

We are looking for a Postdoc with experience in Reinforcement Learning, Large Language Models or Robot Learning for our NWO-funded project “TeNet: Text-to-Network for Fast and Energy-Efficient Robot Control”. This project considers the use of embeddings and Large Language Models for the fast and energy-efficient generation of neural networks for robot control.

Your task will be to develop and evaluate a new LLM-driven approach for fast reinforcement learning with natural language instructions for application to continuous control and robotic tasks. This project includes a collaboration with Finnish AI researchers in Helsinki (Finnish Center for AI & Aalto University), for which we provide travel funds for a 1-2 month research stay, with the option of a secondment to extend the duration of this position.

Please note the short runtime of this High-Gain/High-Risk project (1 year). A successful candidate will receive help and support for securing follow-up funding (eg Veni/NWO XS grants etc) or for moving to the next career stage. Hybrid working or a joint/visiting position is possible. At 0.7 FTE the position is offered for 1 year, a higher FTE employment is possible but shortens the time of employment.

Requirements:

• You have completed or are close to completion (about to submit/defend) of your PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Robotics or a related field;
• Strong background in Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and/or Robot Learning;
• Experience with Large Language Models an their use in robotics is beneficial;
• You possess good skills in Python programming;
• Have strong oral and written communication skills in English;
• Publication in target conferences such as ICML, NeurIPS, CoRL, IROS, ICRA, ICLR, R:SS or similar conferences/journals.

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.

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 € 3.226,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.090,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for at least 0.7 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year.

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;
• the possibility to work partly from home.

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