[agents] PhD student: Multiagent Systems Semantic Web at University of Lugano

[Fornara Nicoletta]

(Apologies for multiple postings)

PhD student at the Institute for Communication Technologies, Faculty of Communication Sciences (http://www.com.unisi.ch/en), University of Lugano (http://www.unisi.ch/en/index.htm)

http://www.unisi.ch/com-itc-phd-assistant-40101.pdf

The Institute for Communication Technologies at the University of Lugano (USI), Faculty of Communication Sciences, has acquired funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation for a two-year PhD project titled

"Open Interaction Systems: an approach Based on Artificial Institutions and Reasoning Agents with an application to Collaborative Environments".

* PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The research project is in the area of open multiagent systems, that is, of software systems in which different programs (regarded as autonomous agents, which may freely enter or leave the system) try to achieve their individual goals by interacting with other agents according to a shared set of rules.
The research team at USI-Lugano (http://www.people.lu.unisi.ch/fornaran/publications.html) have proposed the OCeAN metamodel for the specification of artificial institutions, they now plan to continue the research with a focus on mixing human and artificial agents in hybrid multiagent systems, (for example virtual enterprises) which are distributed systems where human and artificial agents interact, within a given organisational structure, to carry out complex collective activities. In particular we plan to develop a version of the model which is compliant with the W3C standards for the Semantic Web and to implement a prototype.

* REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate for this position will have a background in multiagent systems and semantic web technologies and an interest into investigating human-software collaborative working environments. The candidate has to possess a master degree in computer science.
The candidate will work to pursue a doctorate in communication sciences within the framework of the project.
Other responsibilities consist of assisting in course and exam preparation and delivery, of research and project collaboration, as well as of minor administrative tasks.
Fluency in written and spoken English is a must. Basic working knowledge of Italian is required.

* CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Duration: 24 months (a continuation for at least 12 more months is foreseeable).
Salary: coherently with the SNF directives first year: CHF 38'400, second year: CHF 41'400 low taxes

* HOW TO APPLY
Application Deadline: Position will be filled as adequate candidate will become available. However, we suggest applying before 15th October 2008. We guarantee that the selection process, based solely on the research records, will give equal opportunities to female and male researchers.

Submit your CV and a list of 3 references and their email addresses to:
marco.colombetti at lu.unisi.ch and nicoletta.fornara at lu.unisi.ch

Do NOT send large files; instead send URLs

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Dr. Nicoletta Fornara,
Università della Svizzera Italiana (University of Lugano)
Faculty of Communication Sciences
via G. Buffi 13 - 6900  Lugano ,Switzerland
Tel: +41 (0)58 666 4513, Fax +41 (0)58 666 4619
e-mail: nicoletta.fornara at lu.unisi.ch
http://www.istituti.usilu.net/fornaran/web/
http://www.mtec.unisi.ch/