[I-RIM ML] [Jobs] PhD Position: Vision-Driven Robot Manipulation with Foundation Models, KULeuven, Belgium

[Renaud Detry]

PhD Position: Vision-Driven Robot Manipulation with Foundation Models, KULeuven, Belgium

Location: KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Starting Date: Fall 2024
Duration: 4Y
Supervisor: Renaud Detry
Announcement Posted On: June 11, 2024
Status and additional information: https://es.sonicurlprotection-fra.com/click?PV=2&MSGID=202406130930170286402&URLID=4&ESV=10.0.28.7941&IV=9F20A741A120FFD2502C02DEED55F322&TT=1718271025047&ESN=twmywlLsdLjNfHABweGUGuCiiyjmR3LIA7D5s%2FdBx6U%3D&KV=1536961729280&B64_ENCODED_URL=aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW5hdWQtZGV0cnkubmV0L2pvYnMva3VsZXV2ZW4tYzItMjAyNGE&HK=B0BA80C01FA8A56F2E7467EADA2CB344F3313EBE623D3571669A9E58219FCFAA

KU Leuven is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work on robot learning for vision-driven manipulation. The project focuses on using multi-modal foundation models to facilitate the acquisition of manipulation skills. Initially, the agent will passively observe tasks commanded via tele-operation, then gradually learn to mimic the behavior of the operator, eventually achieving autonomous operation. Specific objectives will be established jointly with the successful candidate.

Funding is available for two years, with an additional two years of support expected (4 years total).

KU Leuven is Belgium’s largest university and a leading higher education and research institution, ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide. It is located in Leuven, a short train ride away from Brussels. This project will be hosted by two departments: Electrical Engineering (group PSI) and Mechanical Engineering (group RAM).

# TA Work

The successful candidate will assist with teaching at most one EE/ME course per quarter (i.e., two per year). The workload will be at most 6 hours per week.

# Requirements

The successful candidate must have a degree(s) in engineering, physics, math, computer science, or a related field, with a strong background in machine learning and/or computer vision, acquired either through coursework or self-study.

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to assist with the TA work, either with a degree in EE or ME, or with transcripts of courses relevant to EE or ME.

Proof of English proficiency is required before admission: https://es.sonicurlprotection-fra.com/click?PV=2&MSGID=202406130930170286402&URLID=3&ESV=10.0.28.7941&IV=8C9A216D58B2F05F8469C17E5F7EAD68&TT=1718271025047&ESN=7M1mdGhVwSumM1G8ef0IqIn9Zm0M1gN76GQYtMtd%2BSk%3D&KV=1536961729280&B64_ENCODED_URL=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZXQua3VsZXV2ZW4uYmUvcGhkL2FwcGxpY2FudHMvbGFuZ3VhZ2VyZXF1aXJlbWVudHM&HK=8B111039B302E30572ADD1180610901E4B9620BA89F942E356162C78B2335450. Applicants who already have proof are welcome to include the relevant documents in their application.

# Application

Procedure: see <https://es.sonicurlprotection-fra.com/click?PV=2&MSGID=202406130930170286402&URLID=2&ESV=10.0.28.7941&IV=F4D75B894B6ACBB7F82A24C28262F5BE&TT=1718271025047&ESN=3QqEPeo1pGEd2WH0ETgCn5JU9CWcZ85CxuEtwGquTJ4%3D&KV=1536961729280&B64_ENCODED_URL=aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW5hdWQtZGV0cnkubmV0L2pvYnMva3VsZXV2ZW4tYzItMjAyNGE&HK=573300F3E556BAFC6285140A98E3D7418631E5389513A2503762C0C7CBC2D574>.

Applications can be sent immediately and will be evaluated until the position is filled, although applications submitted before July 03, 2024 will be given preference. To verify if the position is still available, visit <https://es.sonicurlprotection-fra.com/click?PV=2&MSGID=202406130930170286402&URLID=1&ESV=10.0.28.7941&IV=E737E8DF4B46190197959D4BF14809E0&TT=1718271025047&ESN=aTGpNp2%2BfCtaXoq8wIWFQVAok8Iyc6lHhG1enP9Qtp4%3D&KV=1536961729280&B64_ENCODED_URL=aHR0cHM6Ly9yZW5hdWQtZGV0cnkubmV0L2pvYnMva3VsZXV2ZW4tYzItMjAyNGE&HK=C1E5FC679AE2A3E5D4208F68C74EE92216FFE0CD49C5E8AEA4442898D498E64D>.

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renaud-detry.net
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landline+cell: +32 16 37 70 36