Organisation/Company: University of Florence Department: Industrial Engineering Research Field: Technology Engineering Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Country: Italy Application Deadline: 30 Dec 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Rome) Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Offer Starting Date: 1 Mar 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101169131 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description The focus of the SCALA project is to understand how spatial communication changes in typical and atypical ageing across spatial scales, and how technology may enhance understanding and support for spatial communication in the context of an ageing European population. This Doctoral Network will train the next generation of scientists in multidisciplinary and cross-sectorial methods necessary to make significant progress in understanding human-human and human-technology spatial communication across time and scales, with direct synergies between basic research and application. SCALA will: Identify, catalogue, and understand the causal origins of spatial communication differences in the later lifespan across speakers of different languages and varying spatial environments. Develop technological systems for spatial communication that have the potential to improve the quality of life for older adults. SCALA embraces a consortium of high-profile universities, research institutions, and companies located in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, and Norway. PhD topic: DC9 - Adaptive behavioural models of robotic systems based on brain-inspired AI cognitive architectures. This project will develop adaptive behavioural models of robotic systems to enhance spatial communication capabilities in robots that interact with humans with different cognitive and motor capabilities. Additionally, a geriatric model of the motor-cognitive condition of humans will be developed, enabling the possibility to classify and rank different stages of motor-cognitive decline. Where to apply E-mail: filippo.cavallounifi.it Requirements Research Field: Engineering Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Technology Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Research Field: Other Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications: The ideal candidate should hold a 5-year degree (Master's level) or an equivalent qualification in engineering, computer science, robotics, or a closely related field. Candidates are requested to meet some of the following criteria based on their experience and maturity: Programming skills in C/C++, Python Programming skills in Robot Operating System (ROS / ROS2) Knowledge or experience in using machine learning and deep learning libraries Knowledge or experience in developing applications on physical or simulated robots Knowledge or experience in control and automation Languages: ENGLISH Level Excellent Additional Information Host institution: Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Italy Duration: 36 months (from March 1, 2025, to February 29, 2028) The recruited DC will receive a 36-month grant to cover living, travel, and installation allowances, and family allowance (if applicable). The reported amount is referred to gross salary (€/month) before tax. Please note that taxation may vary according to the country. Living allowance: 119,217.60€ Mobility allowance: 21,600.00€ Family allowance: 17,820.00€ The Mobility allowance is dependent on a country correction coefficient which considers the cost of living in the country of the recruiting institution. The Family allowance is applicable to DCs having or acquiring family obligations during the action duration. Eligibility criteria: The position is open to candidates (of any nationality) that fulfil the requirements of DCs funded by MSCA. Equal opportunity policy without distinction on the ground of gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation will be applied. Supported researchers must be Doctoral Candidates (DC), i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Selection process Applicants addressing eligibility criteria can apply to the position. All applications will be checked for eligibility. Incomplete applications will be ignored. Applications must be in English. The applicant must send the following documents to the specified email addresses (filippo.cavallounifi.it and in cc ricercadief.unifi.it) within the deadline December 30, 2024, h23.59, clearly indicating in the subject "[SCALA] – Application for DC9 position": Copy of an identity document ID/Passport CV Motivational letter (1 page) Research plan (3 pages) related to the research areas of the DC9 Certification of the achievement of the bachelor's degree Certification of the achievement of the master's degree Weighted average of the exam marks obtained in the bachelor's and master's degree courses Summary of the master's degree thesis (3 pages) Contacts of 2 reference persons (Optional) Copy of any other relevant title (e.g. articles, certificates, etc.) The selection will entail an evaluation of the qualifications and the research project submitted and an interview, in Italian or English. The positive outcome of the assessment of the qualifications and the research project is a necessary condition for admission to the interview. The list of those admitted to the interview and the schedules will be published by January 8, 2025. Applicants will also be informed by email. The interview will take place on January 15, 2025, in presence at the Centro Didattico Morgagni, Viale Giovanni Morgagni, 40, 50134, Firenze, Floor 3, Room 335, or online with a TEAMS link that will be provided. Applicants must be available for the entire day set for the interview. In the case of online interviews, it is the candidate's responsibility to ensure the availability of the required hardware and software and a reliable internet connection. At the beginning of the online interview, applicants must show the identity document that was submitted with their application for identification purposes. Assessment criteria The DC9 committee members will pre-select candidates based on the information included in the application procedure evaluated against the following criteria: Evaluation of qualifications (max 30/50 points) The Selection Committee will assess the submitted documents, including the motivation letter, CV, and any scientific qualifications presented by the candidate. Evaluation of the research plan (max 20/50 points) The research plan must be focused on a topic related to the DC9 research line and include details such as title, scientific assumptions, overarching goals, objectives, methodologies, and a Gantt plan. Candidates with a score of 35/50 or above will be eligible for the next interview round. Interview (max 50/50) The interview will assess specific knowledge, technical-scientific skills, motivation, and proficiency in English. Candidates who score less than 35/50 in the interview will not be included in the final ranking list. The minimum score for inclusion in the final ranking list is 70/100. J-18808-Ljbffr