Post-doctoral Research Fellow in AI-Driven Autonomous Disassembly Systems

About the position

A fixed-term 100 % position is available at the University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science, as a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in AI-Driven Autonomous Disassembly Systems, affiliated to the Department of Engineering Sciences, for a period of three years. The position is located at Campus Grimstad. The starting date is negotiable with the Faculty. 

The position is integral to the EU project RESTORE, which aims to revolutionize battery disassembly processes to support the EU's net-zero greenhouse gas emission goals by 2050.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will spearhead the development of cutting-edge machine learning algorithms, primarily leveraging Tsetlin Machines (TMs) and Reinforcement Learning (RL), to address the complex challenges in safe and efficient battery disassembly. The research will focus on advancing fully automated mechatronic systems for autonomous disassembly processes.

The fellow will get the opportunity to develop and apply novel Tsetlin machine-based approaches for learning that incorporate continual learning capabilities, automatic hyperparameter tuning for multimodal and temporal data, and cyber-resilient training methods to withstand adversarial attacks, thereby pushing the frontier in safe and efficient battery disassembly processes.

Research topics for the Postdoctoral research fellows include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Development of AI-driven simulation tools integrating Tsetlin Machines, deep learning, and reinforcement learning algorithms to optimize battery pack and complex mechanical disassembly strategies in a 3D CAD virtual environment, enabling safe and cost-effective training before real-world deployment.
• Developing and integrating Tsetlin Machines and Reinforcement Learning to create energy-efficient, adaptive AI algorithms for real-time decision-making in autonomous EV battery dismantling processes, focusing on overcoming current industrial bottlenecks.
• Investigating the application of Tsetlin Machines and Reinforcement Learning for on-chip learning in integrated circuits, aimed at reducing external computing resource requirements and enhancing the energy efficiency of the autonomous dismantling process.

Required qualifications

• PhD degree in computer science, information technology, electronics, mechatronics, robotics, or related field.
• proven publication record in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Robotics, or other related technical fields
• excellent skills and knowledge of algorithms used in signal processing
• written and spoken English proficiency

Further provisions relating to the positions as Post-doctoral Research Fellows can be found in the Regulations Concerning Terms and Conditions of Employment for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Research Fellow, Research Assistant and Resident.

Desired qualifications

• experience with Tsetlin Machine
• experience in designing cyber-resilient systems
• expert level in software frameworks and tools, such as Tensorflow/Pytorch, OpenCV, ROS, Matlab, Python, C, C++
• experience in perception, object recognition (segmentation, clustering, localisation)

Personal qualities

• ability to work independently and proactively for goal-oriented research
• have good teamwork skills and inventiveness, and a proactive hands-on approach
• close working relationships with both the industrial and academic partners
• good analytical skills
• applicants are expected to contribute to a safe and inclusive working environment
• good written and verbal communication skills in an academic setting

Personal qualities and suitability for the position will be emphasised.

We offer

• professional development in a large, exciting and socially influential organisation 
• a positive, inclusive and diverse working environment 
• modern facilities and a comprehensive set of welfare offers 
• membership of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund 

The position is remunerated according to the State Salary Scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1352, NOK 600 000 – 650 000 gross salary per year. Higher salary grades may be considered for particularly well-qualified applicants. A compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions. 

General information

UiA is an open and inclusive university. We believe that diversity enriches the workplace and makes us better. We, therefore, encourage qualified candidates to apply for the position independent of gender, age, cultural background, disability or an incomplete CV.

The successful applicant will have rights and obligations in accordance with the current regulations for the position, and organisational changes and changes in the duties and responsibilities of the position must be expected. The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning the acts relating to Control of Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Appointment is made by the University of Agder’s Appointments Committee for Teaching and Research Positions. 

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview. With the applicant’s permission, UiA will also conduct a reference check before appointment. Read more about the employment process.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act § 25 (2), applicants may request that they are not identified in the open list of applicants. The University, however, reserves the right to publish the names of applicants. Applicants will be advised of the University’s intention to exercise this right.

Application

The application and any necessary information about education and experience (including diplomas and certificates) are to be sent electronically. Use the link "Apply for this job".

The following documentation must be uploaded electronically: 

• Certificates with grades
• PhD dissertation
• References
• Academic work and R&D projects, as well as a list of these
• A preliminary research proposal within the scope of the specified research scope (max. 3 pages) including reference list. The outline should present and discuss possible research questions, theory perspectives, methods, and a progress plan.
• Any other relevant documentation

The applicant is fully responsible for submitting complete digital documentation before the closing date. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English. 

Contact

For questions about the position:

For questions about the application process:

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