Full-time Post-Doc on HCI in Augmented Reality- and robot-based telepresence

At the Audiovisual Technology Group, Institute for Media Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, we are looking to hire a full-time Post-Doc, as soon as possible, working on

HCI in Augmented Reality- and robot-based telepresence

The contract can be for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of extension to 4 years

(Application deadline: Feb. 28th, 2022)
Project context and your role

The position is part of the collaborative project CO-HUMANICS funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation. In the project, 5 research groups investigate how co-presence of people can be improved by using telepresence via AR technologies or assistance robots. The main target group will be seniors, with the aim of enabling social participation and being together with friends and relatives. In the project, various systems will be developed and evaluated. You can learn more about the project at http://www.co-humanics.de.Your research will focus on collecting, analyzing, modelling and managing research data from different parts of the project.

Using this data, two of the core objectives in the project are to assess and model

(1) the attentional, behavioral and communication processes of telepresence systems users, and
(2) the degree of co-presence achieved with different instances of AR- and robot-based telepresence systems.

Next to that, there is a certain degree of freedom in the design of your exact research questions and activities within the project. Considering the longer-term position, the research achievements could, if desired, provide the basis for a habilitation thesis according to the German academic system (facultas docendi). Within the project, you will also strengthen your project management skills while supporting the project coordinator (Prof. Raake).

Your profile

  • Doctorate degree in an area such as human computer interaction, human robot interaction, user experience (UX) or Quality of Experience (QoE), Augmented/Virtual/Mixed (AR/VR/MR), speech communication, spatial audio, psychoacoustics, computer linguistics or on another project-related topic, from a faculty such as computer science, electrical engineering, psychology or other project-relevant fields.
  • Knowledge and experience in the following areas:
    o Telepresence, Augmented/Virtual/Mixed/ Reality (AR/VR/MR), or robotics o Data analysis and modeling (statistics, machine learning, digital signal processing)
    o Conducting/evaluating empirical studies
  • Good knowledge of programming languages and frameworks to collect and analyze relevant data as well as to build models explaining relevant processes (e.g., Python, MATLAB, PyTorch, TensorFlow)
  • Interest in cross-disciplinary topics at the intersection of technology and users
  • Very good communication skills, commitment, enthusiasm, ability to work independently, initiative and ability to work in a team. Experience in project management is an advantage.
  • Very good written and communication skills in English and German.

Our group

The Audiovisual Technology Group headed by Alex Raake is an international, cross-disciplinary group of researchers working on topics around auditory, visual and audiovisual technology and perception, XR, multimedia networks, Quality of Experience, and HCI. Our research spans from fundamental research on technology perception and cognitive processes to applied research in collaboration with industry partners.

How to apply
Please upload your application with a complete set of the typical documents (including motivation letter, CV, study certificates, two to three possible references, up to 5 of your scientific papers) via the online application provided at https://jobundkarriere.tu-ilmenau.de/jobposting/b31907a4b4d0f979904bce58fa4d5a4a2f8a1e460?ref=homepage, at the latest by February 28th, 2022.
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Alexander Raake
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Raake
Audiovisual Technology Group (Head)
Institute for Media Technology (Director)
Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Technische Universität Ilmenau