Two Post-doctoral research positions are available at the European Centre for Soft Computing (ECSC), recently created in Mieres, Asturias, Spain (http://www.softcomputing.es).
First position: Diagnosis of Technical Systems with Graphical Models Second position: Applications of Soft Computing in Economics Applicants should send (before November 30, 2006) an e-mail to positions[at]softcomputing[dot]es identifying the position to which they apply and including their curriculum vitae. Final results will be known by the end of the year. Apart from the specific positions requirements, applicants should have fluent English skills (written and spoken). For additional information on a particular position use the corresponding contact information. ======================================= FIRST POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION Related to our Research Unit in Intelligent Data Analysis and Graphical Models with Principal Researcher Christian Borgelt (christian.borgelt[at]softcomputing[dot]es) TOPIC: Diagnosis of Technical Systems with Graphical Models DESCRIPTION: Although graphical models (like Bayes networks or Markov networks) have a long tradition of being used for diagnosis tasks, a proper methodology for constructing a graphical model more or less automatically from a technical description of the system is still missing. The vision is to have a software system, which, if fed with a description of the mechanical and electrical components of the system and their interaction produces a graphical model that can be used to find faulty parts from observations and measurements carried out on the system. In earlier research carried out by the principal researcher of the Intelligent Data Analysis Unit some initial ideas and methods to automatically construct a Markov network from a description of an analog electrical circuit have been developed. An important focus of this research was to identify so-called "soft faults", that is, the deviation of properties of electrical elements from their nominal values rather than their complete failure. Future research in this direction holds several challenges in stock: One needs to develop an automatic and efficient procedure to produce a "good" division of the circuit (or generally, a technical system) so that diagnosis with the resulting graphical model is computationally feasible. Better ways of handling deterministic relationships between variables need to be developed (the state of the art can only handle piecewise linear relationships). If knowledge about relationships or measurement results can be obtained only with a certain degree of imprecision, an extension to possibilistic graphical models can be tried etc. REQUIREMENTS: Applicants should: - have a strong background in probability theory and especially the theory of graphical models (Bayes networks and Markov networks) - not be averse to considering alternatives like possibilistic networks. - have at least basic knowledge of physical and electrical laws as well as of core approaches to diagnosis It would be highly appreciated if the applicant has already worked on a technical diagnosis problem, preferably using graphical models. Programming skills in Java or C are recommended as a strong emphasis will be on implementing the developed methods. JOB PROFILES AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS: The position is to be filled in under the form of a three year work contract, starting by January-February 2007. Annual 32,000 euros gross salary. Full Social Security rights, including health assistance for the researcher and her/his family. ======================================= SECOND POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION The objective of this position is to develop a research agenda in one or two topics in the area of economic applications of soft computing. The selected candidate will be expected to establish links with the private and/or public sector in order to finance the research program. The selected candidate will work at his/her own initiative, under the supervision of the Director General of the Centre. Together with their curriculum vitae, applicants to this position are also expected to send a short statement indicating his/her intended lines of research and why they consider them to be important. Some areas of interest are productivity measurement, risk management, and client segmentation (although other topics are certainly welcome). For additional information on this position please e-mail the Director General, Luis Magdalena (luis.magdalena[at]softcomputing[dot]es). TOPIC: Applications of Soft Computing in Economics REQUIREMENTS: - PhD in Economics or Engineering (with strong background in economics). - Good research record in soft computing techniques. - Some experience in economic applications. - Fluent English skills (written and spoken). - Knowledge of Spanish will be valued. JOB PROFILE AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS: - The position will be held in the form of a one year contract, starting in January-February, 2007. - The maximum duration of this position is three years. - Annual gross salary of 32,000 euros. - An additional research budget will be provided. - Full Social Security rights, including health assistance for the researcher and her/his family. ========================================== -- Luis Magdalena Director General Fundación para el Progreso del Soft Computing Edificio Científico Tecnológico C/ Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós, s/n 33600 - Mieres (Asturias) Tel: 985 456545 // Fax: 985 456699 _______________________________________________ uai mailing list [email protected] https://secure.engr.oregonstate.edu/mailman/listinfo/uai
