Research Assistant (Robotic Intelligence and Information Operations)
Full Time (Fixed Term for 2 years)
£13,940 – £18,860
Application deadline 15 June 2007.
 
An opportunity to carry out research and help embed two research groups in Robotic Intelligence and Information Operations.
 
The Departments of Computing and Engineering have recently invested heavily in research infrastructure in its two main research groups, the Robotic Intelligence Lab (RIL) and the Information Operations Research Group.  To support this activity, the Departments are also looking to employ a research assistant to perform research related tasks in support of the ongoing research, among other things, maintenance of the RIL web site, fleet of robots and rack cluster server used for experiments on simulated robots.
 
Applications are sought for this position from candidates who already have a good Bachelor degree (2.1 or above) or Master’s degree in the following disciplines: Computer Science/Engineering, Software Engineering or Robotics.  Further details are available from the University web-site http://www3.newport.ac.uk/jobs/displayJob.aspx?job_id=132 and through informal enquiries to the project leader Dr Torbjorn Dahl, email: torbjorn.dahl@newport.ac.uk.  Requests for an application form should be made to Deborah Pascoe, Administrator Research, Department of Computing either by email: deborah.pascoe1@newport.ac.uk, telephone 01633 432152.
 
About the Robotic Intelligence Lab:
The Robotic Intelligence Lab (RIL) is made up of researchers with a common interest in intelligent control of robots and automated systems.  Understanding the structural and interaction-related principles behind the emergence of intelligent behaviour is the greatest scientific challenge of the present time.  One of the most baffling aspects of intelligent behaviour in animals, including humans, is its pervasive adaptability. The behaviour of an animal or a human continues to adapt throughout its lifetime. Brain areas can be reprogrammed to provide
new functionality in the case of serious injury such as the loss of a limb. In spite of this adaptability animal and human behaviour is coherent, focused and stable.  Our interest is in developing algorithms for intelligent robot control that have similar properties.
 
Our specialist interests include:
• Behaviour-Based Control
• Reinforcement Learning for Robots
• Artificial Social Systems
• Underwater Robotics
• Automated Production Systems
 
About the Information Operations Research Group:
The Information Operations Research Group is a new group focusing on the issues associated with the design and development of early warning systems that are capable of detecting and responding to a variety of
cyber based attacks, and on the issues associated with computer forensics science.
 
The aim of this research group is to undertake research in the
following areas:
• Network Security and Intrusion Detection Systems, 
• Threat Assessment and Threat Measurement,
• Computer Forensics, and
• Vulnerability Assessment, Mitigation and Management