Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Machine Learning

central Oxford

We are seeking two full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistants in Machine Learning to join the Visual Geometry Group (VGG), in central Oxford. The positions are associated with two separate research projects funded by Toyota Motor Europe and Amazon, respectively. Each successful candidate will be assigned to one of these projects and will work under the supervision of Dr. João Henriques. Both posts are available for 12 months in the first instance.

The Toyota Motor Europe project, RoboSim, involves research in deep learning, at the intersection of reinforcement learning and computer vision, to train effective robotic agents in simulation. The research will focus on developing robust visuomotor policies that can transfer to real robots, in collaboration with researchers at the Oxford Robotics Institute and Toyota Motor Europe.

The Amazon project involves research on robotic manipulation using computer vision and vision-language-action models. The research will investigate how representations of 3D geometry and motion can help robots manipulate a wide range of objects, including deformable objects, and generalise to new settings. The methods will be evaluated on robotic manipulation tasks, including experiments on real robots.

You should hold a relevant PhD/DPhil (or near completion*) in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Robotics or a related field. You should have a strong publication record at leading international conferences in these areas, together with sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge of deep learning methodologies. Research experience in reinforcement learning, computer vision or robotics would be desirable.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. João Henriques (email: joao@robots.ox.ac.uk).

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on the closing date stated in the online advert can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised positions), a CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. Applicants may indicate whether they have a preference for either project.

* “Near completion” means that you must have submitted your PhD thesis.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting an inclusive working environment.

Machine learning; Computer vision; Robotics; Reinforcement learning; Robotic manipulation