PhD Candidates – Gaming and HCI in cars (2 PhD positions) (M/F)

Application Deadline: Sunday October 09 2011

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) is a recently formed centre carrying out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) systems and services, often in collaboration with industrial, governmental or international partners.

SnT is active in several international research projects funded by the EU 7th framework programme and the European Space Agency. The successful candidate will conduct research in one or more of the centre projects and assist in the development of the SnT project portfolio. The Centre invites researchers from diverse research areas to contribute to our projects in areas such as Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks and ICT Services & Applications.

The PhD project leading to a degree in Computer Science or in Psychology from the University of Luxembourg will be conducted in partnership with EPT (http://www.pt.lu/), the Luxembourg state post and telecom provider. The project will be conducted in an interdisciplinary environment with researchers from computer science as well as psychology.

Offer

• The University offers a three year employment contract that may be extended up to a fourth year.
• The University offers highly competitive salaries and is an equal opportunity employer.
• You will work in an exciting international environment and will have the opportunity to participate in the development of a newly created research centre.

Project description

The work will be undertaken as part of a wider research programme that explores the use of incentives and persuasive gaming approaches to alter driving behaviour.

We are looking for two different PhD candidates, one with a stronger technical background and the other one with a stronger social sciences background.

Both candidates will work on (with respect to their expertise) the development and user evaluation of in-vehicle systems and services, with a particular emphasis on contextually aware user interfaces that adapt to current driving conditions. The students will be expected to participate in the design and development and evaluation of novel multi-modal interface techniques ranging from audio and multi-touch surfaces through to eye-tracking. The project requires candidates that have a strong background in human-computer interaction and preferably also serious or persuasive gaming.

The two PhD students will work jointly with academic staff and researchers at P&T and they will be expected to publish and present work at international conferences. There may also be an opportunity to participate in workshops and conferences with leading Scottish academics. The PhDs are expected to be completed in three to four years.

Profiles of the candidates:

• One position focusing on social sciences and one position focusing on computer science
• A masters degree in: human-computer interaction, games development or a related area, in computer science, psychology, cognitive science, relevant commercial experience will also be considered
• Prior experience of conducting user studies using a range of techniques including but not limited to: observation, questionnaires, interviews or physiological measurements
• Strong technical skills (mandatory for the technical position) with experience of at least two major programming languages including but not limited to: C/C++, Java or Python
• A good standard of both written and spoken English
• A working knowledge in Luxembourgish, French or German is an advantage

Application

Applications must include, in PDF format only:

• Full CV, including name (and email address, etc) of three referees
• Cover letter
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words).

If applicable:

• Description of the undergraduate project (1 page)
• Description of the MSc project (1 page)
• Undergraduate work placement or other relevant work experience (1 page)

Applications, written in English and in PDF format only, should be sent via email to:

TO: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]; [email protected]
SUBJECT: Gaming and HCI in cars (in your application, please state the preferred role you are applying for, e.g. technical or social sciences).

Deadline for applications: October 9th , 2011

For inquiries please contact Dr. Rod McCall ([email protected]) or Dr.
Vincent Koenig ([email protected]).

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