Duke University, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering / Machine Learning
Position Description
WORK PERFORMING: The Postdoctoral Associate will lead research and development efforts at the intersection of next-generation extended reality (XR) and healthcare. Responsibilities include designing, implementing, and evaluating XR systems for healthcare applications; leading software development efforts; mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; and contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations with clinicians and healthcare researchers. The postdoc is expected to publish in top-tier XR, HCI, and/or healthcare-related venues and help shape the strategic direction of the group’s healthcare XR research. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: This position involves a combination of sedentary and active work. Duties include extended periods of computer use for programming, data analysis, and writing. The role also requires setting up and managing experimental studies in laboratory and healthcare environments, which may involve standing, walking between locations (e.g., labs, clinics, or hospital spaces), and transporting or configuring research equipment (e.g., XR headsets, sensors, and computing devices). The ability to communicate effectively with research participants, clinicians, and team members is essential. Education/Training EXPERIENCE: Demonstrated track record of publications in leading XR, HCI, or related conferences/journals (e.g., IEEE VR, ISMAR, CHI, UIST, etc.) Experience developing XR systems (e.g., using Unity, Unreal Engine, OpenXR, or similar platforms) Experience working across the XR system stack, including lower-level components such as sensing, networking, systems optimization, or edge/cloud integration Experience incorporating machine learning into interactive or XR systems (e.g., perception, tracking, adaptive systems, user modeling) (Preferred) Experience collaborating with healthcare professionals or working on healthcare-related technologies EDUCATION: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, or a closely related field is required by the start date. Background in extended reality (AR/VR/MR), interactive systems, or immersive computing is strongly preferred. Training or demonstrated research experience in healthcare applications is a plus. SKILLS: Strong programming skills (e.g., C#, C++, Python) Proficiency in XR development frameworks (Unity, Unreal, OpenXR, etc.) Strong machine learning expertise, including experience with modern ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and deploying ML in real-time or interactive systems Systems-level understanding of XR pipelines, including sensing, perception, networking, and/or edge/cloud computing Ability to design and optimize end-to-end XR systems (rather than relying solely on off-the-shelf frameworks) Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to lead and manage software development efforts APPLICATION MATERIALS: Curriculum Vitae; Research statement, of 1–2 pages describing prior work and future interests; Up to 3 representative publications; Contact information for 2–3 referencesDuke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research statement
- Three publication lists
Further Info: