Position Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Design and Augmented Intelligence Lab (DAIL)
Cornell University 

The Design and Augmented Intelligence Lab within the Department of Human Centered Design at Cornell University is actively seeking a postdoctoral associate to contribute to our ongoing projects. Upon joining the DAIL team, the selected candidate will play an integral role in the “Enhanced Spatial Learning and Cognitive Engagement in Virtual Reality” initiative, generously funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). This project addresses the intricacies of spatial navigation and learning in VR platforms, especially in regard to implications for older adults who are experiencing cognitive decline. The offered position is fully funded for one year, with a promising possibility of extension. 

Job Description:
As a postdoctoral researcher on this initiative, you will be working at the frontiers of VR design and cognitive science. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and leading VR experiments with older adults’ participants, including the creation of virtual environments to evaluate human–environment interactions and spatial learning.
• Delving deep into the analysis of nuanced behavioral and physiological data tied to participant actions and interactions within these VR realms.
• Playing a pivotal role in shaping the lab’s research trajectory, innovating experimental methods, and fostering collaborations with both internal and external project stakeholders.
• Authoring research papers for high-quality peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Guiding and mentoring research assistants of various expertise levels.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have secured a doctoral degree in relevant disciplines by the date of hire, such as Cognitive Science, HCI, Computational Design, or related domains.
• You should have a demonstrated aptitude in written communication, underscored by a strong background in scientific writing and publication.
• Proficiency with VR development platforms is required, preferably the Unity or Unreal engines.
• Preference is given to candidates with established competence in applying and developing algorithms for machine learning and visualization, using tools such as MATLAB or Python.
• It is beneficial to have previous experience in guiding research assistants and a proven ability to excel both autonomously and in team settings.
• A distinct advantage would be expertise in Mobile Brain-body Imaging (MoBI), particularly experience in analyzing EEG, motion capture, and eye-tracking data.

Application Process:
Interested applicants must submit the following documents via Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25862

• A cover letter detailing your research experience, suitability for the position, and future aspirations (1000 words max).
• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• A description of approaches to working with a diverse community.  We ask applicants for all faculty positions to share their experiences and/or approaches (past, current, or future) to fostering learning, research service, and/or outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.
• Names and e-mail addresses of three references. The hiring department will contact these references at an appropriate time, inviting them to upload their recommendation letters directly to the application portal.
• Please note that the final candidate, once selected, must provide proof of degree (PhD) as part of the hiring process.

Application reviews will commence on October 15, 2023, and will persist until the role is secured. The anticipated starting date is December 1, 2023, but this timing is flexible for the right candidate.

What We Offer:
The position provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities at Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca, NY. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to craft your own research questions within the project’s framework, while also playing an active role in collaborative ventures led by Dr. Saleh Kalantari. Additionally, we offer avenues for you to make meaningful contributions to teaching.

Cornell University is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and encourage an inclusive culture in which all are welcome.