Phd Position Causal Representations for Open-ended Embodied Social Intelligence

**PhD Position Causal Representations for Open-Ended Embodied Social Intelligence**:
**_Design generative causal models of social dynamics for embodied agents. Enable open-ended learning in multiparty human-agent interactions for continual agent evolution._**

**Job description**:
Are you passionate about developing intelligent agents that can continuously evolve through social interactions? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research on generative causal models that enable adaptive collaboration in dynamic environments?

Current AI systems struggle to gain new knowledge in dynamic environments and to reason about human behavior in unconstrained settings. We believe that embodied agents collaborating with humans require not only representations of the physical world but also rich causal models of their interaction partners. Your research will focus on identifying the causal factors that guide human behaviors and environmental changes, allowing agents to continually adapt through open-ended learning.

You will be embedded within the larger Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics Group at TU Delft, comprising sub-groups in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition, and Human-Oriented Machine Intelligence. You will be advised by Dr. Chirag Raman (Tapri Lab, TU Delft), Dr. Jan-Willem van de Meent (AMLab, UvA), and Dr. Frans Oliehoek (Sequential Decision Making Group, TU Delft).

This project is part of a larger research effort within the Hybrid Intelligence Center, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with researchers across multiple universities and disciplines. The project specifically connects to the Robotic Surgery case study, involving close collaboration with Dr. Dalibor Vasilic at ErasmusMC.

**Job requirements**:

- An MSc degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, or a related field
- Strong background in machine learning, particularly in generative latent variable modeling and/or (multi-agent) reinforcement learning.
- Solid programming skills in Python, experience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, Jax).
- Comfort with 3D mathematics and spatial reasoning concepts.
- Good engineering skills for implementing and evaluating algorithms in real-world settings; familiarity with simulation environments (e.g. Isaac Sim) is a plus.
- Experience with robotics platforms is a plus but not required.
- Experience with conducting user studies is beneficial but can be developed during the PhD.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 or equivalent).
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

**TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)**:
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Challenge. Change. Impact

**Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science**:
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment - which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

, Mathematics and Computer Science.

***Conditions of employment**:
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual C