[ompl-users] expanding OMPL - open position

[Lydia K. <ka...@ri...>]

Rice University

Software Engineer in Robotics

The Kavraki group (http://www.kavrakilab.org) seeks candidates to fill one position for a software engineer. The group develops novel computational methodologies for enabling robots to work with and support people. We work on algorithms for motion planning for high-dimensional systems with kinematic and dynamic constraints, integrated frameworks for reasoning under sensing and control uncertainty, novel methods for learning and using experiences, and ways to instruct robots at a high level and collaborate with them. Our research is inspired by various applications, from robots that will assist people in their homes to robots that will build space habitats.

The successful candidate will contribute to our efforts to build and maintain open-source software for motion planning in robotics. In the past, the group and its collaborators developed the Open Motion Planning Library (OMPL), https://ompl.kavrakilab.org, which enjoys widespread popularity. The library will be extended and modernized; it will also be expanded for applications outside robotics (e.g., in computational structural biology). Other responsibilities include maintaining open-source software and web servers deployed by the lab. The candidate will be welcome to participate in the group's research efforts, depending on their interests.  

BACKGROUND: The successful candidate must have an MA or MSc or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A degree with an emphasis on robotics is desirable. Solid software engineering skills are needed for this position. Extensive experience developing in C++ is required, while experience with Python or Rust is desirable. Prior experience in creating and maintaining open-source software is a plus. The position is flexible depending on the qualifications of the applicants (in particular, candidates with a PhD can be considered for a combined postdoctoral position).

The position is for one year and is renewable upon satisfactory progress. 

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants should contact Professor Lydia Kavraki (ka...@ri...) and provide (a) a CV, (b) a detailed description of software engineering skills, (c) a detailed list of prior projects and, (d) a one-paragraph statement about their interest in the advertised position. 

The position is available immediately, and applications will be accepted until this position is filled.  


ABOUT RICE UNIVERSITY: Rice University is a private, comprehensive research university in the heart of Houston (recently ranked the most diverse city in America), adjacent to the Museum District and Texas Medical Center. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across eight schools and has a student body of approximately 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Rice consistently ranks among the top 20 national universities and the top 10 in undergraduate teaching (U.S. News & World Report); its endowment ranks among the top 20 US universities. The George R. Brown School of Engineering ranks among the top 20 undergraduate engineering programs and is strongly committed to nurturing the aspirations of faculty, staff, and students in an inclusive environment, with rankings of #8 for percent URM faculty, #14 for female faculty, and #4 for underrepresented undergraduate students among AAU institutions. Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.





Lydia E. Kavraki, Ph.D.
Kenneth and Audrey Kennedy Professor of Computing
Professor of Computer Science
Professor of Bioengineering
Professor of Computer and Electrical Engineering
Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Director, Ken Kennedy Institute
Rice University
ka...@ri... <mailto:ka...@ri...>
(713) 348-5737
https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/lydia-e-kavraki
http://www.kavrakilab.org <http://www.kavrakilab.org/>
http://kenkennedy.rice.edu <http://kenkennedy.rice.edu/>