In the METATOOL project, you will be at the forefront of developing awareness-capable robots. This highly experimental and novel project combines traditional symbolic models with computational models of synthetic metacognition/awareness. In METATOOL we link awareness and tool creation: making new tools to resolve a problem requires an extended form of awareness, and there is a parallel between our first toolmaking ancestors and robots of the future. In this project, you will create the symbolic framework, an ontology, using archaeological and neuroscientific data on tool making.

Main tasks:

• Develop the METATOOL conceptual framework from a domain ontology for tool behaviours that is the result of a previous project: see http://rocaontology.github.io/   
• Co-supervise two PhD students
• (Co) authoring scientific articles, and presentations.
• Project management: e.g. monitoring time and deliverables for the TU Delft work package, attending meetings.     

Required qualifications and qualities:

• PhD in Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Library/Information Science or an adjacent field with a significant background in ontologies, knowledge graphs or other Semantic Web and knowledge representation and reasoning methods,

   OR a strong research background in the above fields.

• Willingness to quickly acquire specialized expertise required in the project.
• Interest in the humanities, especially archaeology and cognitive science.
• Proven ability to finish projects on time.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).
• Willingness to travel to other partners for several weeks to work with them.

Desired qualifications and qualities:

• Experience setting-up and running robotic experiments
• Experience with practical robotics projects and ROS (for example by controlling a robot arm or a moving robot) or willingness to train during the PhD.

Note: 

We know that it is highly unlikely that one person can meet all these requirements. When in doubt about your suitability: apply. 

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

You will specialize in cognitive robotics, and develop your people and project management skills. You will build a diverse interdisciplinary network that includes archaeologists, neuroscientists, roboticists, AI experts, software engineers and system architects.  When you leave the project you will have created a unique tool for robotics and evolutionary sciences, possibly the foundation of your future research.

In collaboration with the project partners, you will receive (additional) ROS (Robot Operating System) training. There are opportunities to guest lecture in existing MSc courses, and propose projects and supervise students on METATOOL-related activities.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 3.703 - € 4.670 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

This postdoc position has a fixed-term contract of 1 year, with the possibility to extend for 1 additional year.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.