A research position in the field of reinforcement learning for automated planning and scheduling

The FBK Center for Digital Industry focuses its research on digital technologies for the various domains in

industry (e.g., aerospace, railway, automotive, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, etc.) by creating

applications for critical systems, adaptive and autonomous systems, advanced perception, diagnostics and

prediction systems. It is involved in multiple European research projects and collaborates with numerous

institutions and multinational companies on strategic projects with a high innovation content – including the

European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Railways Network (RFI).

The position is opened by the Planning Scheduling and Optimization Unit (PSO Unit) of the Digital Industry

Center of FBK. The Unit carries out basic and applied research, tool development and technology transfer in

the field of automated planning, discrete optimization and process scheduling with applications in

autonomous robotic systems and flexible manufacturing.

FBK actively seeks diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is also committed in promoting gender

equality.

Job Description

The open research position is in the field of reinforcement learning for automated planning and scheduling.

The STEP-RL project aims at using modern reinforcement learning techniques to synthesize guidance of

various forms (e.g. heuristics, pruning rules, macro actions, parameters configurations) for state-of-the-art

automated temporal planners. We are looking for exceptional post-doctoral researchers, passionate about

the integration of learning and symbolic AI methods: the STEP-RL project will allow the selected candidate to

perform full-time curiosity-driven research on the project themes. This is a unique opportunity to pursue

basic research in the area of learning for symbolic systems, as the only expected outcomes are top-tier

publications and impactful research in the planning and learning communities.

The candidate is expected to work in close collaboration with the project PI (Andrea Micheli), as well as other

researchers, programmers and students involved in the unit. Moreover, the candidate is expected to help in

the supervision of PhD students involved in the ERC project.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate should have:

● PhD in computer science, mathematics or electronic engineering or equivalent 3yrs research experience;

● Track record of publications in top-tiers journals and conferences;

● Software development skills (preferably Python and/or Rust);

● Ability to carry out an independent research program;

● Ability to work in a collaborative environment and deliver in research projects;

● Oral and written proficiency in English.

Furthermore, the following elements will be positively evaluated:

Know-how or previous experience in at least one of the following areas:

● Automated Planning (e.g. PDDL planners);

● Reinforcement Learning;

● Model Checking or other formal verification techniques.

Employment

Type of contract: fixed term contract

Working hours: full time

Start date: preferably June 2024

Duration: 2 years

Gross annual salary: about € 41.400

Benefits: flexi-time, company subsidized cafeteria or meal vouchers, internal car park, welcome office

support for visa formalities, accommodation etc., supplementary pension and health fund, training courses,

public transport, sports facilities, language courses fees. Further details

at https://www.fbk.eu/en/work-with-us/

Workplace: Povo, Trento (Italy)

Application

Interested candidates are requested to submit their application by completing the online form

(https://jobs.fbk.eu/). Please make sure that your application contains the following attachments (in pdf

format):

● Detailed CV with Research Statement

● Motivation letter

Application deadline: April 24, 2024

Please read our Recruitment Regulations before completing your application.

For further information, please contact the Human Resources Services at jobs@fbk.eu.