Cornell University, Department of Communication

Position ID:
Cornell-Department of Communication-VRCOMMPOSTDOC [#26625, WDR-00041329]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate in VR Environments for Prototyping Haptic Comm
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Ithaca, New York 14853, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Communications / Communication, Communication Technology
Appl Deadline:
finished (2023/11/16, finished 2024/09/12, listed until 2024/03/01)
Position Description:
  URMs  

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

Position Description

Ithaca-Based Postdoctoral Associate in Virtual Environments for Prototyping Haptic Communication

Department of Communication

Ithaca, New York

 

Job Summary: The Enhancing Abilities Lab and the Virtual Embodiment Lab (PIs: Shiri Azenkot and Andrea Stevenson Won) at Cornell Tech and Cornell University are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to work on an interdisciplinary research project to examine how principles of guiding, especially haptic feedback, can be used to improve human-agent interactions in challenging environments, specifically underwater diving. As part of this initiative, and in collaboration with the RealITHASC lab led by the third co-PI, Silvia Ferrari, our DoD-funded project aims to develop diving simulators in virtual reality that can be used to prototype human-agent interactions. This work is highly relevant to both human-agent teaming and to universal design principles that improve accessibility in extended reality and in the physical world.

This is a one-year appointment beginning January 15, 2024, (start date negotiable) with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The position will be based in Ithaca, providing the postdoctoral associate with opportunities to attend seminars and workshops hosted by world renowned faculty across the Cornell University Ithaca campus; there will also be opportunities to connect with faculty on Cornell’s New York City campuses: Weill Cornell Medicine (https://weill.cornell.edu/) and Cornell Tech (https://www.tech.cornell.edu/).

Responsibilities and Duties:

Conducting Research (80%)

Leading the development of virtual environments, including mentoring undergraduate CS students

Attend research team meetings

Assist with institutional review board application submissions

Design and run experiments

Conduct literature reviews, write annotated bibliographies, and use reference managers

Collect and analyze quantitative data using various software (e.g., Qualtrics, R, Matlab, Python)

Manage day to day operations for Ithaca-based research projects

Publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, policy briefs, and reports

Professional Development (20%)

Help to mentor and supervise Ithaca-based graduate and undergraduate research assistants

Assist with writing and submitting grant proposals

Attend and present at least one professional conference annually

Eligibility and Required Skills: Candidates must have completed the requirements for a Ph.D. in computer science, information science, communication, social psychology, neuroscience, cognitive psychology, quantitative psychology, bioengineering, or a related field at the time of the appointment. Candidates should be comfortable leading teams to develop virtual environments; game development experience, for example in Unity or Unreal, is desirable. Candidates should also have excellent oral and written communication skills, excellent quantitative/analytical research skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a deep commitment to good research practices.

Benefits: The salary for appointments in the 2023–2024 academic year will be $65,000 plus full Cornell University employee fringe benefits. Also, $5,000 will be given for discretionary research expenses (e.g., conference registration fees, travel, publication fees, etc.).

How to apply: Applicants should submit the following materials online at www.academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26625.

1) Cover letter describing your research experience and interest in the position

2) Curriculum vitae


3)statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person…any study,” via the website, and

4) 2 writing samples (e.g., published manuscript and/or dissertation chapter).

 Candidates selected for an interview will be required to submit 2–3 letters of recommendation.

Applications will be reviewed starting November 17, 2023, and will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

 CALS hiring range for this position is $56,484 to $65,000.

 

Contact Information:

Andrea Stevenson Won, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Cornell University

Director, Virtual Embodiment lab

Email: a.s.won@cornell.edu

Website: https://www.virtualembodimentlab.com

 

Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.




Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

  • Prior relevant work or industry experience.
  • Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
  • Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement Supporting Diverse Communities
  • Two Academic Writing Samples
  • Two to three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://cals.cornell.edu/communication
email address
 
Department of Communication
Cornell University