Canada Excellence Research Chair in Reinforcement Learning for Robotics

Ongoing until position is filled.

The McGill University School of Computer Science is seeking applicants for a nomination to a Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in the area of Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Robotics. The CERC program supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program supports world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. These awards are among the most prestigious and generous available globally (https://www.cerc.gc.ca/program-programme/cpan-pccs-eng.aspx).

McGill University is a leading institution in Canada in both Machine Learning (especially RL) and mobile robotics. McGill is home to the Center for Intelligent Machines (CIM) and hosts the NSERC Canadian Robotics Network. McGill is a founding member of Mila – the Quebec Institute for Artificial Intelligence – an extremely active research institute at the interface of academia and industry. McGill’s School of Computer Science offers opportunities for interaction with world-class researchers in machine learning, robotics, social data science, bioinformatics, natural language processing, theory, big data systems, communications, microelectronics and computer systems, software engineering and systems and control. Montreal is home to a very active AI and robotics community including industry-led AI research groups (Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Samsung, Borealis, Thales, etc.) as well as a thriving start-up community.

The CERC nominee will be an internationally recognized leader working at in the interface of machine learning and robotics, either from academia or industry. In addition to developing a highly competitive research program at McGill, the chairholder will be expected to contribute to strong and innovative teaching at McGill at the undergraduate and graduate levels. On appointment, the CERC chairholder will also become a core member of Mila and CIM.

Applicants from the academic sector must currently be at the rank of Full Professor or be an Associate Professor who is expected to be promoted to Full Professor within 2 years. Applicants from outside academia should have qualifications and a track record that will enable them to be appointed at the level of Full Professor within 2 years.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is a foundational principle in the CERC program. To achieve its research excellence-based objectives and outcomes, the program requires the participation and contributions of students, trainees and researchers from underrepresented groups. These groups include, but are not limited to, racialized minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, women, and individuals from LGBTQ2+ communities. The CERC nominee will thus be expected to possess the skills needed to recruit, teach, and mentor a diverse group of researchers and trainees, reflecting McGill’s commitments to equity and diversity as set out in core institutional documents including McGill’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Strategic Plan, Taskforce on Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Education and Action Plan to Address Anti-Black Racism. 

We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. CERC guidelines state that researchers who are currently at another Canadian institution are eligible as candidates if there is demonstrable net benefit to the country in moving the researcher from one Canadian institution to another.

Enquiries from potential applicants are welcome and will be treated in strict confidence. Enquiries can be directed to Prof. Mathieu Blanchette – Mathieu.blanchette@mcgill.ca.

Applications must be submitted on-line at https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/mcgill_careers/job/Canada-Excellence-Research-Chair-in-Reinforcement-Learning-for-Robotics_JR0000023939. Use a personal email address when creating an account in Workday. Do not use @mail.mcgill.ca or @mcgill.ca email accounts to apply. Applications should include (i) a cover letter describing their research program, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) a teaching statement, (iv) names and contact information of 3 references.

Please submit your application within 30 days of this publication date March 25, 2022.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigor and excellence. McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca or call 514-398-2477.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. However, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.