Job Description

Project description

In this project, you will explore the development of intelligent agents capable of trustworthy collaboration with human end users. The focus extends beyond technical reliability to include the agents\' ability to provide assurances, explanations, and address user feedback and preferences. Leveraging reinforcement learning techniques, you will investigate the potential of foundation (language) models for capturing individual-level preferences as well as collective-level norms and conventions. You will also develop proof-of-concepts in collaborative games such as Hanabi or Overcooked to establish the foundation for real-life applications in areas such as smart mobility, disaster response settings, and the allocation of energy resources (e.g., EV charging stations) to end users in connected vehicular systems. The project aligns closely with the Turing AI Fellowship on Citizen-Centric AI Systems (CCAIS) and builds upon the research directions outlined in the position paper titled " ".

CCAIS Project: The CCAIS project aims to develop AI systems with people at their heart. These citizen-centric AI systems learn the preferences of individual users to provide personalised services and advice in important application areas such as smart transportation, energy and disaster response. To ensure trustworthiness, these systems safeguard privacy by learning and making decisions locally, for example on a user\'s smart device. They also offer clear explanations for their decisions and involve stakeholders through a continuous feedback loop. You will be part of a supportive and diverse .

Research Group: You will join the group within the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS). We are one of the world\'s leading groups in multi-agent systems, and you will benefit from our significant networks. For example, we lead the and the , we are part of the , and we run the . These centres and networks will provide you with a valuable opportunity to work with researchers and other stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds.

Entry Requirements

Applicants will normally be expected to have a Distinction in an MSc in Computer Science or a related discipline, or an outstanding First-Class BSc or MEng qualification, but all applications will be considered on merit as appropriate to the individual case. We highly value diversity in our teams, and we particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT+ and disabled applicants to apply for this studentship. ECS is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

Closing date: 31 August 2023, Applications will be considered as they are being received, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of \xc2\xa318,622 p.a, for up to 3.5 years.

How To Apply

Apply online: . Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select \xe2\x80\x9cPhD Computer Science (Full time)\xe2\x80\x9d. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Vahid Yazdanpanah

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact:

Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of \xc2\xa318,622 p.a, for up to 3.5 years

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