compton@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov (Michael Compton) (01/09/91)
The Man Vehicle Laboratory of the Center for Space Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, seeks a Research Scientist to be technical leader of the "Principal Investigator in a Box" [pi] project. [Pi] is to be an expert system for managing life-science research during manned space flight. It is intended to help astronauts on long-duration missions, such as the space station, to conduct experiments, evaluate data, and modify experimental plans in the face of unexpected difficulties or opportunities. To support these capabilities, we plan to encode some of the knowledge of the principal investigator about the design and execution of the planned experiment, its goals and expectations, and knowledge of "quick look" data analysis, malfunction diagnosis and repair, and protocol re-planning under resource constraints. Initial application will be to Spacelab experiments on human adaptation to weightlessness. Responsibilities will include overall technical leadership of the project, joint supervision of one or two Research Assistants, and co-ordination with collaborating NASA personnel on project concerns including interfaces to NASA's flight and ground hardware and software systems. The successful candidate should have a doctoral degree in Computer Science or equivalent research experience, and a specialization in artificial intelligence approaches to modeling, theory formation, diagnosis, monitoring, and design. Interested persons should forward two copies of their resume to Ms. Sherwood Modestino, c/o Personnel Office, E19-239 MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139. Contact Prof. Laurence R. Young, Room 37-207 (at the MIT address above), phone (617) 253-7759.