[visionlist] Postdoctoral Position: Human Interaction with Adaptive Multisensory Systems

[Marc Ernst]

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION: Human Interaction with Adaptive Multisensory Systems  

The Applied Cognitive Psychology Group at Ulm University, Germany headed by Prof. Marc Ernst is inviting applications for a research position on Human Interaction with Adaptive Multisensory Systems .


State-of-the-art multimedia systems communicate with the user predominantly via the audiovisual channels which allow for remote interaction. In order to truly get in touch and to physically interact with the multimedia content, however, such multisensory systems necessarily have to involve also the haptic modality. Little-by-little physical interaction capabilities for multimedia systems also conquer the consumer market, as can be seen for example with the newly released OculusTM Touch Controller. Another emerging trend shows that multisensory systems and interactive displays become more and more adaptable. This adaptability can affect the content, the interface, or the interaction capabilities of the systems. All this requires the human user who interacts with these systems and displays to adapt as well. This can lead to interesting dynamics in the dyadic adaptation between the human user and the “intelligent” multisensory system or display. The goal of this project is to investigate the human adaptation performance to multisensory systems in such mutual learning situations, in order to gain a better understanding of the human sensorimotor learning processes and to provide guidelines, evaluation criteria, and recommendations for the design of adaptable multimedia systems. 

This 2-year position funded by the German Research Foundation within the SFB-TRR 161 will be embedded in a highly interdisciplinary, international research group lead by Prof. Marc Ernst, who is just started to set up a new group in the Faculty for Engineering, Computer Science, and Psychology at Ulm University. The focus of the group is on multisensory perception, sensorimotor integration, perceptual learning, perception of time and causality, development of perception and its applications to HCI. For their experimental work the group is predominantly relying on behavioural methods from psychophysics and experimental psychology. For this there are many state-of-the-art virtual reality and HCI setups available, including different projection systems for visual stimulation, force feedback and robotic devices including tactile displays for work on the human haptic system, a noise attenuation camber with an active audio setup for work on the auditory system and two unique treadmill setups for studies on human locomotion and navigation. Additionally there are several eye- and motion tracking systems available for the recording of human behavioural data. The groups has a strong focus on the modelling of human behaviour, relying heavily on the Bayesian Framework and the development of ideal observer models. Currently, the group is supported by several grants which involve collaborations with groups from neuroscience, rehabilitation, engineering, robotics, perceptual development and computer science. 
   
The successful candidate should fit in with these interests and should have a strong background in psychology, cognitive science, cognitive systems, HCI, computer science, or some neuroscience related field. Programming experience will be advantageous. The position is available immediately and is fully funded for a period of 2 years. Salary is according to German Public Service regulations at the level of E13. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The application should include a cover letter stating the candidates research interests, curriculum vita, reprints, and names of three referees. Electronic submission is preferred. 

Contact: 
————————————————————————————
Prof. Dr. Marc Ernst
Appl. Cognitive Psychology 
Faculty for Computer Science, Engineering, and Psychology 
Ulm University 
Albert-Einstein-Allee 43
89069 Ulm

room: 	43.3.103
phone:    	+49-731-50 320 50  
sekr: 	+49-731-50 320 51
fax:      	+49-731-50 320 59
mobile: 	+49-152-2254 3156
marc.ernst at uni-ulm.de


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