Doctoral Student in Real-Time Humanoid AI, Lionhead Studios and The
University of Bath
We are looking
for an AI researcher and programmer of exceptional promise to complete
a four-year doctoral degree. The dissertation would be supervised
by Dr. Joanna Bryson of
the University of Bath,
but three of the four
years would be conducted largely on site at Lionhead Studios in
Guildford.
The target of the research is to use upcoming game technology to create
a humanoid character that will enhance the human computer interaction
experience. The research should
make use of multiple
concurrent sensory inputs including 3-dimensional optical and audio, as
well as user pose. These inputs may be
used
as part of communication exchanges, emotional empathy, and possibly
physical
interactions of some kind such that under a restricted set of
circumstances it would appear that the Turing test had been passed
between the character on the computer and the human subject.
Systems AI engineering will be emphasised, as we aim to develop
not only impressive demonstrations, but reusable components for
human-like AI systems.
The doctoral position is funded through the Centre For Digital
Entertainment, an EPSRC-funded joint initiative of Bath &
Bournemouth, with additional support from Lionhead. The degree
includes a taught component, with courses negotiated between the
candidate, the university & Lionhead.
Candidates are asked to make an application through the the Centre's
ordinary procedure (http://www.digital-entertainment.org/info-applicants.html),
however
please emphasise experience in artificial intelligence (e.g.
real-time perception & action selection, machine learning,
affective / interactive humanoid intelligence) rather than focussing
exclusively on animation. Also, be certain to mention the specific
project. The CDE positions are fully funded for UK
& EU citizens who have been resident in the UK for at least three
years, and partially funded for EU citizens who are not resident.
Other international applicants are welcome, but must provide their own
funding.
Queries not answered by the Centre For Digital
Entertainment's website may be directed to Dr.
Bryson.
[ For a version of this advertisement with hyperlinks, see
http://www.cs.bath.ac.uk/~jjb/here/LionheadCDE1Nov09.html ]