[agents] PhD in Machine Learning, Decision-making and Stochastic Control at the University of Hertfordshire, UK

[Nicola Catenacci]

[Apologies for multiple posts; please distribute to interested people!]

*[LAST CALL, DEADLINE APPROACHING: 29/1/2021]*


We are looking for applicants for a fully funded Phd (annual scholarship GBP
15,285) in the areas of Machine Learning, Decision-making and Stochastic
Control at the Computer Science Department of the University of
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

*PhD Project*
Recent progress in Artificial Intelligence has allowed computer scientists
to solve problems that were considered unsolvable only a decade ago. The
combination of Machine Learning, decision-making and stochastic control is
at the heart of this success. In this project, the student will have the
opportunity to master the latest techniques in reinforcement learning (RL)
and contribute to design novel RL algorithms using deep learning (i.e.,
deep reinforcement learning) and probabilistic methods of Machine Learning
(e.g,  Bayesian inference or information theory). Possible topics of the
project are meta-learning, meta-control and hierarchical aspects of RL,
aiming at the design of agents with limited computational resources that
can solve complex tasks in real-time scenarios. The applications used to
benchmark the developed algorithms will include computer games or
(simulated) robotic scenarios such as manipulation or intelligent
autonomous vehicles. Applications including physical robots may be
considered and carried out in conjunction with other labs.

*Requirements*
We are looking for a student with genuine interest in Artificial
Intelligence. A background in computer science, engineering or mathematics,
together with solid programming skills, are essential requirements.
Experience in reinforcement learning, deep learning or robotics are not
mandatory but desirable, and will be considered a plus during the selection
process. The applicant will be expected to disseminate her/his work
publishing scientific articles and/or participating at international
conferences. To be fluent in English is mandatory.

**Where**
The PhD will take place in the SEPIA Lab (Sensor, Evolution, Processing,
Information and Actuation), within the Adaptive System group of the CS
department. The Lab is specialised in  probabilistic approaches to
Artificial Intelligence, used for a wide range of applications such as
robotics, video-games and cognitive modelling.
Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been
recognised as excellent in the REF 2014, with 50% of the research submitted
rated as internationally excellent or world leading.The University of
Hertfordshire provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large
number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general
training and researcher development opportunities. The University is
situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just 25 minutes by train to London.

*How to Apply*
The application must be done following the procedure indicated in this
website:

https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/physics-engineering-and-computer-science/engineering-and-computer-science/research-in-engineering-and-computer-science/the-phd-programme-in-computer-science

Interested applicants may want to contact Dr. Nicola Catenacci Volpi (
n.catenacci-volpi at herts.ac.uk) to discuss the project, the PhD program at
the University of Hertfordshire and details about the application process.


**Deadline**
*29/1/2021*



*-----------------------------------*

Dr. Nicola Catenacci Volpi, PhD


Research Fellowship in Information Theory for AI & Robotics
Adaptive Systems Research Group
The University of Hertfordshire
Department of Computer Science
College Lane
Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB
United Kingdom
E-mail: n.catenacci-volpi at herts.ac.uk
Tel: +44-1707-28-4766
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