Postdoctoral researcher with focus on human interaction with AI - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Postdoctoral researcher with focus on human interaction with AI

The Department of Psychology announces a two-year postdoctoral position for interdisciplinary research on interaction between humans and AI, with inspiration from psychology, education and computer science.

The position is connected to TAIGA, Umeå University's center for transdisciplinary AI research. As a postdoctoral fellow within TAIGA, you will be part of an interdisciplinary network alongside your regular research context. International research stays during the postdoctoral period are encouraged.

The Department of Psychology offers an active and creative research and educational environment for both employees and students. More detailed information about the activities carried out at the department can be found on our website Department of Psychology

Description of the project

The planned project is connected to the research environments  Embodied Interactive AI, Education and AI and Interpresence institute. 

Applicants will conduct research that has a clear relationship to the research at the research environments. A research plan (max. 4 pages) should be attached to the application, where it is clear what research the applicant wishes to conduct and how it relates to research at the research environments.

Possible research methods are spanning between relational neuroscience with brain imaging (multiple fNIRS) to qualitative explorations of human interaction and interplay with social AI in various forms, in collocated interaction and augmented (multiple Apple Vision Pro). By social AI is meant here everything from ChatGPT to Pepper robots, among other things in various learning situations. The duties include, among other things, planning research projects, carrying out empirical data collection, analyzing data, co-authoring scientific articles and actively participating in various research groups' seminar activities.

The position is located at the Department of Psychology, and the research will take place in collaboration with researchers from the departments of computer science and education, as well as with international contacts. Some teaching may occur.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology or another subject relevant to the research project.
• Doctoral degree that has been completed no more than three years before the end of the application period (unless there are special reasons such as parental leave, military service, sick leave, etc.).
• No previous employment as a postdoctoral fellow (supported by the postdoctoral agreement) for more than one year in the same or related subject area at the same university/authority.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Research experience relevant to the planned project is particularly advantageous.

We are looking for a committed, responsible and creative person with high motivation for research. The position as a postdoctoral fellow requires a good ability to work in a team as well as the ability to work independently. Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and collaborative skills.

TAIGA is a faculty-wide center at Umeå University. Our purpose is to promote transdisciplinary research and education in Artificial Intelligence (AI), its applications and consequences, and to create a strong international research profile for Umeå University that uses the entire university's interdisciplinary breadth. We do this by creating a faculty-wide structure for transdisciplinary AI research and educational collaborations. We offer meeting places, activities and support to inspire, challenge and guide researchers, teachers and students who want to develop AI-related research. Furthermore, we create and maintain national and international collaborations and networks in AI-related research and education. TAIGA is a university-wide entrance for the interested public and external parties, works to promote cooperation with the surrounding society and contributes to shaping social debate and policy development regarding AI to the benefit of all.

Learn more at our website TAIGA

A complete application must include:

• A concise research plan with your own thoughts on potential research (max 4 pages).
• A cover letter with a short (about 2 pages) description of your research interests related to the projects described above, and how your expertise fits the call.
• Curriculum vitae (CV), with a complete list of publications.
• Doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates and study transcripts.
• Your doctoral thesis, as well as a maximum of five relevant scientific publications.
• Other information relevant to your application.

Referenced documents must be in Word or PDF format. The application deadline is 2024-09-30. Interviews may be held before the application deadline.

Further information is provided by:

Niclas Kaiser, niclas.kaiser@umu.se, +46 90 786 64 06 or

Prefect Annika Nordlund, annika.nordlund@umu.se, +46 90-786 78 30.

Planned entry 2025-01-01  or as agreed.