PhD Student Position, Computing Science - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Umeå University, the Department of Computing Science, is seeking outstanding candidates for a PhD student position in Computing Science with focus on computational issues of smart human-computer interaction in navigation assistance. Deadline for application is 2019-01-03.

The Department of Computing Science is a dynamic environment with around 100 employees representing more than 20 countries worldwide. We conduct education and research on a broad range of topics in Computing Science. The Spatial Cognitive Engineering group conducts research in cognitive issues of human-computer interaction, human-in-the-loop computing, and smart assistance systems. The group collaborates with several national and international research groups. Visit https://www.umu.se/personal/kai-florian-richter for more information.

Research project
This project will develop crucial foundations for smart, adaptive navigation services that are safe and easy to use, and do not leave their users helplessly dependent on them.

Navigation services, e.g., navigation systems built into your car or map apps running on your mobile phone, can tell you anytime, anywhere how to get to places, known or unknown. You do not really need to think about how to do it yourself anymore. But not thinking yourself can also cause all kinds of problems, as all the media reports on people getting stuck under bridges, driving into the sea, or taking 600 km detours show. Such incidents are so common nowadays that a new term has been coined for them: ‘Death by GPS’. Research has shown that these issues occur because we do not pay attention to the environment or on what we are doing; we only react to what our navigation service tells us to do. However, only very little research so far exists aiming to solve this issue.

This project will investigate the adaptive power of navigation services to improve their safety, reliability, ease of use, and their support of spatial knowledge acquisition. It will use an analytical approach that combines reasoning and spatial analysis methods to calculate differences in importance and complexity of locations along a route, whereas importance and complexity will be grounded in findings in cognitive science. These differences along a route will be reflected in adaptive instructions that will also express the likelihood of matching users’ understanding of the situation. Research will be iterative, combining theoretical analysis, prototype implementations, and empirical human-subject studies.

About the position
The successful applicant will be employed by Umeå University and receive a competitive salary for a period of four years of full time PhD studies, provided that the studies are progressing reasonably well. PhD students are typically offered the opportunity to gain teaching experience on suitable undergraduate courses. If so, the employment period is extended to cover the time spent on teaching (at most 20 %). Expected starting date is 2019-03-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Admission requirements
The applicant is required to have completed a second- cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in computing science, the applicant is required to have completed courses at second-cycle level degree equivalent to 60 ECTS credits in computing science, or in a subject considered to be directly relevant for the specialisation in question.
Candidates are expected to have very good knowledge in Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, or Geographic Information Science. Good programming skills are a prerequisite. Demonstrable experience in conducting human-subject studies is a merit.
Since research is conducted in an international research environment, the ability to collaborate and contribute to teamwork, and a very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, are key requirements.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:
• A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
• A curriculum vitae
• If applicable, copy of completed BSc and/or MSc thesis and other original research publications
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Contact information for two persons willing to act as references

The application must be written in English or Swedish, and attached documents must be written in or translated to English or Swedish. Documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than 2019-01-03. Reference number: AN 2.2.1-2093-18. Log on to the system and apply via the button at the bottom of the web page.

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed. We value the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position.
For additional information, please contact Assoc. Prof Kai-Florian Richter kai-florian.richter@umu.se.

We look forward to receiving your application!