[visionlist] PhD position: haptics

[Jess Hartcher]

*PhD position: natural haptic interactions for augmented and virtual
reality*

We are seeking a highly-motivated PhD candidate to work in the Perceptual
Intelligence Labs, Department of Industrial Design Engineering, at the TU
Delft, within a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, engineers,
physicists, and designers. The PhD position is part of a Future and
Emerging Technologies (FET) Horizon2020 project (H-Reality) focused on
creating contact and contactless haptic virtual reality experience. The
position involves conducting research on haptic interactions in everyday
environments, identifying their salient features and, in collaboration with
the partners in the project, translating these into virtual reality. The
work will primarily involve designing paradigms and conducting experiments
to measure and evaluate haptic experiences. The PhD candidate will be
encouraged to spend time with both the other academic and industry partners
at different stages of the project.

We are interested in candidates with possible expertise in several
potential areas, including any of the following:

- Experimental psychology
- Signal processing
- Probabilistic and computational models of behaviour
- Mechanical engineering

Consideration will be given to candidates with strong quantitative skills
and a recent completion of their masters (or equivalent) in a related field
(e.g., haptic or auditory science, experimental psychology, computer
science, mechanical engineering, neuroscience, physics). An interest in
virtual or augmented reality systems, perception, psychophysics and data
analysis is desirable, as well as the ability to communicate scientific
ideas, both in written and oral form, and an ability to learn new skills.

*The TU Delft*

Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands is a modern university
with a rich tradition. Its eight faculties and over 40 English-language
Master programmes are at the forefront of technological development,
contributing to scientific advancement in the interests of society. Ranked
among the top universities of technology in the world (14th in 2015 QS
world ranking Engineering & Technology), TU Delft’s excellent research and
education standards are supported by outstanding facilities and research
institutes. TU Delft maintains close links with inter- and national
industry, a strategic alliance contributing to the relevance of its
academic programmes and career prospects for its graduates. TU Delft is
also a member of the IDEA league of five leading engineering universities
in Europe, as well as CESAER, the association of European schools of
technology and engineering.

The Perceptual Intelligence lab (π-lab) is a multidisciplinary task-force
collaboration with 7 staff members, headed by prof. Pont. The lab is unique
for its applied cross-disciplinary approach to real-world perception
problems and ecological optics of light, exploration of natural haptic
interactions and materials. Facilities include unique, partly custom-built,
state-of-the-art photographic and photometric equipment, goniometer,
photographic studio, several custom-built lighting setups, stereoscopic
imaging, mechanical and electrical workshops with full-time staff. In
addition, we have custom-built highly deformable PMDS thimble sensors for
haptic interaction measurements, two Futek load cells (FUTEK L2357+JM-2A,
45N max), among a range of other sensors and 3D scanning and printing
facilities.

The i-Touch haptics group was established in 2017 as part of the Perceptual
Intelligence lab, supported by a Delft Technology Fellowship awarded to Dr.
Hartcher-O'Brien. Dr. Hartcher-O'Brien has built her international
reputation working on haptic perception, sensory augmentation and
computational touch, as well as mechanisms and models of multisensory
integration.

*Conditions of employment*

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for
health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs
contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International
Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school.
Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and
benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch
Universities. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft
Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring
research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and
a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your
transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit
www.graduateschool.tudelft.nl for more information.

*Information and application*

For more information about this position, please feel free to contact Dr.
Jess Hartcher-O’Brien, e-mail: j.hartcher-obrien at tudelft.nl. To apply send
a letter of application, a detailed CV, one recent academic publication (or
master's thesis), a statement of research interests (concerning this
project) and the affiliations and contact information of two people who
could furnish a letter of reference. Please e-mail your application by
28th September
2018 to: afdelingID-personeelszaken-IO at tudelft.nl.
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