[UAI] Two research positions at the European Centre for Soft Computing 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.
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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
FundaciÃ³n para el Progreso del Soft Computing
Edificio CientÃ­fico TecnolÃ³gico
C/ Gonzalo GutiÃ©rrez QuirÃ³s, s/n
33600 - Mieres (Asturias)
Tel: 985 456545 // Fax: 985 456699


