Cornell University, Department of Communication
*** 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 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.
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:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement Supporting Diverse Communities
- Two Academic Writing Samples
- Two to three references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses
)
Further Info: