Research Assistant Professor Position in: Agent-Based Simulation for Autonomous Systems

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant Professor in the Research Institute of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (RITAS) at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China. The successful candidate will be working with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. This is an ideal opportunity for outstanding independent researchers to conduct cutting edge research in agent-based simulation and autonomous systems. Research Assistant Professors at SUSTech enjoy highly competitive salaries, unparalleled access to resources and excellent academic and social atmospheres in a truly global and innovative institution in China’s “Silicon Valley”.

Requirements： PhD in Computer Science or related fields. Deep understanding and experience in one or more of the following areas: agent-based systems, simulation and virtual environments, distributed simulation, high performance computing, parallel and distributed systems. Strong software design and development skills required. Outstanding academic achievement evidenced by high-quality publications. Ability to work in multi-cultural settings. Understanding of the academic and research ecosystem of China is highly desirable.

Position Available: Immediately

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES     

1.        To undertake independent and collaborative research in accordance with the mission and needs of the RITAS, the Department and the University.

2.        To proactively initiate and help set up new projects in partnership with academic and industrial partners both within China and abroad.

3.        To contribute to the development or choice of research methods, techniques, approaches and models and create pilot software and/or systems to test novel approaches.

4.        To organise meetings, seminars and research/industrial workshops.

5.        To prepare and write research grant proposals.

6.        To publish research papers in high impact international journals and conferences.

7.        To assist in all aspects of day to day operations of the RITAS and the Department and contribute to their development.

8.        To assist with BSc/MSc/PhD student project supervision and limited teaching activities.

EXPECTED SKILLS

1.        A PhD in Computer Science or related fields.

2.        Deep understanding and experience of research methods and processes in one or more of the following areas: Agent-based systems; Simulation and Virtual Environments; Distributed Simulation, High Performance Computing, parallel and distributed systems.

3.        Strong computer software design and development skills.

4.        Outstanding academic achievement evidenced by high-quality publications

5.        Outstanding problem-solving skills.

6.        Strong interest in inter-disciplinary research.

7.        Self-motivated and proactive.

8.        Ability to work effectively and efficiently in multi-cultural settings as a team member as well as independently.

9.        Excellent written and oral communication skills and inter-personal skills.

10.    Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

11.    Ability to travel independently within China and abroad.

12.    Understanding of the Academic and Research ecosystem of China is highly desirable

HOW TO APPLY 

To apply, please submit a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae with the publication list, a Research Statement and the names of three referees to: zhenghm@mail.sustech.edu.cn.

Applications will receive full consideration until the positions are filled. Informal enquiries can be made to zhenghm@mail.sustech.edu.cn.

FURTHER DETAILS

The Research Institute of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (RITAS)

The Research Institute of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (RITAS) was officially announced by the Shenzhen Municipality on 1 November 2019. It is led by Turing Award Laureate, Professor Joseph Sifakis, a Distinguished Visiting Professor from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), as the Institute Director, and assisted by Professor Xin Yao as the Executive Director of RITAS. Currently, RITAS has 30 professors (PIs), 8 of them are IEEE fellows and over 70 research fellows, postdocs and research students. RITAS’s mission is to carry out both fundamental and applied research in trustworthy AI systems using a highly interdisciplinary approach by bringing people together from artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, system engineering, mathematics, operations research, cognitive science, psychology, etc. It covers five major areas, including autonomous driving, smart cities, AI and medicine, machine learning systems, and trustworthy software systems. The common theme cutting across all these area is trustworthiness --- how can we develop trustworthy autonomous systems? What does trustworthiness mean for an application scenario? How to measure trustworthiness? These are some of the basic research questions that will be addressed by RITAS. RITAS has three important pillars to support its growth and long-term sustainability, i.e., cultivation of research talents, international cooperation and knowledge transfer to industry. It recruits international talents with the most competitive pay packages and ample research funding. It has an open and stimulating environment for young researchers to grow and develop their careers. It is aspired to become a world-class research institute in trustworthy autonomous systems and their applications.