- Experience and expertise in reinforcement learning and partially observable Markov decision processes.
- Experience applying reinforcement learning to real-world robotics and other physical systems is essential.
- Experience with technical issues related to sample efficiency, generalization and sim2real.
- Research experience with physics and optics is highly desirable.
- Fellowships will be for two years contingent on satisfactory progress achieved during the first year.
- Candidates should have obtained a PhD (or equivalent) within the past three years (PhD received on or after July 1, 2021*) or expect to complete their PhD within 6 months of appointment.
- Fellows will work in a lab under the direct supervision of an NRC researcher.
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Statement of Interest in the project (maximum one page in length)
- PhD Transcript - an electronic copy is sufficient; it does not have to be an official version.
- List of publications
- Copies of 3 publications that exemplify your fit for the position.
- Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
- Fellowships are open to nationals of all countries, although preference will be given to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
- The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
- We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Post Doctoral Fellowship - Ottawa, Canada - National Research Council Canada
Description
Priority may be given to the following designated employment equity groups: women, Indigenous peoples* (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities and racialized persons*.
* The Employment Equity Act, which is under review, uses the terminology Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.
Candidates are asked to self-declare when applying to this hiring process.
City: Ottawa
Organizational Unit: Digital Technologies and Advanced Electronics and Phtonics
Classification: RO
Tenure: Term
Duration: 2 Years
Language Requirements: English
Note: Due to the nature of the work and operational requirements, this position will require full-time physical presence at the NRC work location identified.
The Program
Great Minds. One Goal. Canada's Success.
The NRC's Postdoctoral Fellowship program offers PDFs access to unique world-class facilities and the opportunity to work alongside multi-disciplinary teams of expert researchers and technicians on projects of critical importance to Canada. PDFs will carry out research on innovative research projects, with opportunities for career development (publications and/or industry interaction).
PDFs will be offered appointments to the staff of the National Research Council on a term basis and will be offered salaries and benefits currently available to Research Officers. Salaries commensurate with experience are taxable and subject to other deductions. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $74,230. In addition PDFs will be allocated a travel fund to support their work.
Project Title
PDF in Reinforcement Learning for Lower Cost Satellite Communication
Your Challenge
Are you passionate about pushing the frontiers of Reinforcement Learning (RL) research? Are you eager to apply your expertise to real-world challenges that have a meaningful impact on society? Do you want to be at the forefront of ground-breaking research in the rapidly emerging field of free space optical satellite communication? If you said yes, then we want you to join our dynamic team in free space optical satellite communication at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral candidate to contribute to a cutting-edge project that aims to revolutionize Adaptive Optics (AO) systems for Low-Earth Orbit Optical Satellite-to-Ground Communication (LEO OSGC) through the development of an RL-based AO controller for optical signal correction on ground-based receivers. As a key member of our team, you will be among the first exploring and applying RL for LEO OSGC. Your role will involve collaboration with graduate students, delving into the complexities of LEO satellite communication, and addressing challenges posed by atmospheric turbulence.
Your expertise will not only refine RL methodologies but also contribute to the evolution of RL applications beyond theoretical simulations. Tackle issues such as partial observability, generalization, sample efficiency, and the sim2real problem, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping research that enables low-cost, ultrahigh speed, space-to-ground communication to remote locations. This is an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with NRC and university researchers, participate in other RL and robotics research projects, and be part of a transformative journey in advancing RL for real-world applications.
About the DT and AEP Research Centres
This research is a collaboration between the Digital Technologies Research Centre (DT) and the Advanced Electronics and Photonics Research Centre (AEP). Within the NRC, DT undertakes research in computer vision, machine translation, natural language processing, general AI and more. DT's objective is to advance the science in these fields of study whilst developing innovative solutions to challenging real-world problems. Learn more about DT here. AEP aims to push the boundaries of photonics and electronics research and develop new communications and sensing technologies. Learn more about AEP here.
Why Work With US
Embarking on a postdoctoral fellowship with the Digital Technologies Research Centre at the National Research Council of Canada is an unparalleled opportunity for those driven by a commitment to conducting cutting-edge science in the national interest. At the forefront of our mission is the advancement of AI research, translating theoretical knowledge into impactful real-world applications. Joining our dynamic team opens avenues to establish invaluable connections and collaborate with visionary researchers not only within the NRC but also across esteemed universities and industry leaders.
With a focus on industrial robotics technology, our work at the intersection of academia and industry provides a unique platform to contribute to transformative advancements. As a member of our vibrant and supportive workplace culture, you'll find yourself publishing ground breaking research in top conferences, surrounded by colleagues dedicated to fostering growth and engagement.
Elevate your career with us, where your passion meets purpose in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.
Education
Ph.D. in reinforcement learning or a closely related field.
Leave of absences may be considered in applications from candidates exceeding the five-year cut-off providing information is included at time of application.
For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency
Experience
Language Requirements
English
Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests
Condition of Employment
Reliability Status
Who is eligible?
Exceptions may be considered to recognize personal or family related leave. Please connect with us using the contact information below to discuss in more detail.
Application Requirements
In order to be considered for the program please include the following in your application, please note that you will need to attach the required documents as per the list below when submitting your application. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from searches
When submitting your application you can include the required documents in any attachment field such as «Second language evaluation results» or «Other attachments»
In addition, applicants who best meet the requirements of the position will be asked to provide three letters of recommendation at a later stage of the competition process.
Compensation
The intent of this hiring action is to staff through the Postdoctoral Fellowships Program at the RCO-2/AsRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $74,230 to $103,093.
NOTE: Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate's expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As a guide, the current annual PhD recruiting rate is $74,230.
NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including comprehensive health and dental plans, vacation, sick, and other leave entitlements, disability insurance and pension plans.
The NRC Advantage
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is the Government of Canada's largest research organization supporting industrial innovation, the advancement of knowledge and technology development. We collaborate with over 70 colleges, universities and hospitals annually, work with 800 companies on their projects, and provide advice or funding to over 8000 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) each year.
We bring together the brightest minds to deliver tangible impacts on the lives of Canadians and people around the world. And now, we want to partner with you. Let your expertise and inspirations make an impact by joining the NRC.
At the NRC Employee wellness matters. We offer flexible work schedules as well as part-time work to help employees maintain work-life balance. We are one of the few federal organizations that close our offices during the December holiday season. We offer professional learning and development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and a suite of mentorship, award and recognition programs. Diversity enables creativity and innovation. Fostering a diverse, inclusive, welcoming and supportive workplace is important to us, and contributes to a more inclusive Canadian innovation system. We welcome all qualified applicants and encourage you to complete the employment equity self-declaration questions during the job application process. Please let us know of any accommodation measures required to help you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please note that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.
Help us solve problems for Canada. Grow your career with us today
Notes
Please direct your questions, with the requisition number to:
E-mail: NRC.NRCHiring-EmbaucheCNRC.-
Telephone:
Closing Date: 26 March :59 Atlantic Time
For more information on career tools and other resources, check out Career tools and resources
*If you are currently a term or continuing employee at NRC, please apply through the SuccessFactors Careers module from your NRC computer.