Postdoc in Learning Intelligent Robotic Navigation inside the Human Body

Department of Computer Science
Faculty of Science
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Computer Science invites applications for a unique two-year postdoctoral position with possibility for further extension. The successful candidate will engage in developing innovative robot control and navigation techniques using simulation-based learning. This exciting opportunity focuses on two key challenges. The first is to create reward functions for scoring navigation policies for medical intraluminal robotic devices to move inside the human body, e.g., the colon, relying solely on image information, and accounting for the changing environment through interaction models. The second significant challenge is creating learning-based methods to control a soft robotic endoscope on the high-level navigation policies to perform a clinical procedure inside the human body, e.g., gastrointestinal tract, and perform quality assessment of the created novel methods during in-vivo interventions. The role demands a strong foundation in robotics simulation and control, and a keen interest in applying simulation-based machine learning techniques to solve these complex and critical medical challenges.

The postdoctoral position is part of the European project "Intelligent Robotic Endoscopes for Improved Healthcare Services," coordinated by the Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen. Funded by a Horizon 2020 grant, the four-years project involves a consortium of nine institutions across Europe, comprising both universities and companies.

The successful candidate for this postdoctoral position will be joining a multidisciplinary and collaborative team at Department of Computer Science, renowned for its cutting-edge research in medical imaging and simulation technologies. This team is comprised of experts in various fields, creating a rich environment for innovation and interdisciplinary learning. The team operates in a highly collaborative environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and expertise.

Regular meetings and workshops are conducted to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies, ensuring a cohesive and focused approach to the project goals. Senior members of the team, including leading researchers and professors, provide mentorship and guidance. They are committed to nurturing the next generation of scientists, offering support in both research and career development. The team is part of a wider network of researchers and professionals, both within and outside the institution.

This global network provides opportunities for academic and industrial collaborations within France, Germany and Spain, sharing best practices, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the scope of the project. The team is driven by a shared goal to make significant contributions to the field of medical simulations and patient care. There is a strong emphasis on creating practical, innovative solutions that can be translated into real-world applications.

The candidate will be expected to contribute significantly to the research objectives, demonstrating both technical expertise and collaborative skills. Key performance expectations include:

Research at the Core
The ultimate goal is to make a significant contribution to the field of medical simulation and patient care. This includes producing impactful research outputs, such as publications in high-quality journals, and potentially developing technologies or methodologies that can be applied in real-world settings.

Career Growth
While contributing to the project, the candidate is also expected to focus on their professional growth, taking advantage of mentorship opportunities, networking, and other resources provided by the institution.

Collaboration is Central
Given the interdisciplinary nature of the team, the candidate must excel in collaborative environments. This includes actively participating in team discussions, sharing knowledge and expertise, and contributing to a positive and productive team dynamic.

Communication in Focus
The candidate must be able to clearly and effectively present research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, including writing high-quality research papers and presenting at conferences.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field such as Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Applied Math or similar.
• Strong foundation and track record in robot control (preferably intraluminal robots),, machine learning, and biomechanical modeling as a plus.
• Experience with numerical optimization algorithms, preferrably on motion planning and/or  reinforcement learning.
• Proficiency in scientific computing programming.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within motion planning for numerical physics simulation and real robot endoscopy. The post may also include performance of other duties.

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Kenny Erleben kenny@di.ku.dk or Assistant Prof. Hang Yin hayi@di.ku.dk.

The position is open from 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 1 November 2024, 23:59 CET.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.