We are seeking outstanding postdocs (and PhD students) with experience / interest in topics such as deep learning neural networks (NN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), GPU programming, evolutionary computation, RNN evolution, adaptive robotics, curiosity-driven learning & intrinsic motivations based on our theory of surprise and interestingness and the Formal Theory of Fun & Creativity, computer vision and 3D animation, reinforcement learning & policy gradients for partially observable environments, hierarchical reinforcement learning, statistical / Bayesian approaches to machine learning, statistical robotics, unsupervised learning, general artificial intelligence, universal learning machines. The general goal is to advance the state of the art in machine learning and AI, in the context of various concrete research projects.

Most of the funding is provided by four research projects outlined below. For now, we are mainly interested in candidates applying for a prestigious Marie Curie Experienced Researcher Fellowship for the ProtoTouch project. But you will also collaborate on other projects with other lab members - we are one big family!

1. The ProtoTouch (EU-PEOPLE) project investigates novel touch-based user interfaces (e.g., touch screens for mobile devices, touch pads for computers). In a consortium of 10 European research institutes, you will help to develop and apply machine learning methods such as deep learning neural networks to investigate the performance of novel tactile displays, and biological processes responsible for touch. Candidates should have multidisciplinary research interests in areas like machine learning, electronic devices and neurophysiology. ProtoTouch candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 1 year in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Postdocs must fulfil the "experienced researcher" requirements of the Marie Curie regulations: at least 4 years but less than 5 years of "full time research experience." PhD students must fulfil the "early-stage researcher" requirements. See page 4 of the Marie Curie guidelines (PDF).

2. A general SNF research project aims at improving methods for deep learning and recurrent networks.

3. The NASCENCE EU (STREP) project requires expertise in machine learning and evolutionary computation (genetic algorithms, evolution strategies, estimation algorithms, neuroevolution). We intend to apply evolutionary algorithms to automatically discover the electrical signals which transform a nano-particle substrate (e.g. networks of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes or films of graphene) into useful computational circuits.

4. The WAY EU (STREP) project on wearable interfaces and hand function recovery requires signal processing for EEG analysis combined with machine learning (recurrent neural networks, optimization). The goal is to develop and apply algorithms that facilitate control of hand prostheses and hand exoskeletons through brain-computer interfaces, in collaboration with partner institutes. We focus on practical application of hand-assistive devices, with a strong involvement of patients in clinical trials.

Our international project partners include neuroscientists, mathematicians, psychologists, roboticists, and other experts from the UK, Germany, Italy, Scandinavia, France, and the US.

Start: 2013 (or early 2014).

Requirements are also published within the "Direttive interne SUPSI" (direttiva 7A, Art. 2) and within "Regolamento del personale SUPSI" on the website www.supsi.ch (follow SUPSI, Documenti ufficiali).

(BTW, there are additional PhD jobs financed by USI which also may indirectly lead to supervision by JS.)

Highly competitive salaries & low Swiss taxes. There is travel funding in case of papers accepted at important conferences. (Salaries for ProtoTouch follow EU-PEOPLE rules based on years of experience.) The occupancy degree is 100%. (Here a previous similar job announcement of 2009.) Standard salaries: Postdoc CHF 72,000 / year (>US$ 81,000 / year as of 16 Dec 2013); PhD student CHF 42,000 / year (>US$ 47,000). Low taxes. There is travel funding in case of papers accepted at important conferences.

Teaching? There is an opportunity to participate in teaching courses (in English) on robotics or machine learning, e.g., in the master's program at the University of Lugano.

IDSIA's location: just outside the beautiful city of Lugano in Ticino (pics), the scenic southern Swiss province. Milano, Italy's center of fashion and finance, is 1 hour away, Venice 3 hours.

IDSIA is affiliated with the University of Lugano (USI) and USI's Faculty of Informatics and SUPSI. Check out some IDSIA alumni who went on to become profs.

Official language at IDSIA is English.