From the French HMI Association: The University of Fribourg (Switzerland) is urgently recruiting. See the contact information below for more.
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We are seeking to recruit a PhD student for a funded position in the areas of Human-Computer Interaction, Assistive Technologies and Psychology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. The successful candidate is expected to start around May or June 2021 for a commitment over a period of 4 years. Approximate gross salary: 60'000 CHF/year
Note that Master students may also apply either for their Master project only or with the possibility to continue as a PhD.
Research Topic
Our ability to perceive, identify, decode emotions and social signals from faces is crucial for adapted daily social interactions. This specific aptitude can be impaired in a wide range of clinical conditions, such as low vision, visual neglect, dementia or autism, only to name a few. Recent advances in multimodal processing and wearable technologies provide a unique opportunity to create perceptual and cognitive wearable prosthesis to enhance visual function of individuals presenting with such conditions.
The aim of this project is to develop software solutions for smart glasses to support low-vision patients with face and emotion recognition. The developed solutions will be evaluated with the target clinical populations. During the period of the doctorate, different types of human-machines interfaces and feedback solutions will be elaborated and tested through the creation, development and implementation of small controlled and in the-wild experiments. Among others, we are interested in investigating the potential of augmented reality to enhance and rehabilitate visual functions of low-vision clinical populations.
This project is part of a joint research initiative between the University of Fribourg's Departments of Informatics (Human-IST, Prof. Denis Lalanne and Dr Simon Ruffieux), Special Education (Prof. Nicolas Ruffieux) and Psychology (iBMLab, Prof. Roberto Caldara), and the Geneva Neuroscience Center (Prof. Patrik Vuilleumier) at the Geneva University. The PhD will be performed within the Department of Informatics of the Fribourg University (Human-IST), under a joint supervision with the department of Special Education.
Profile
o Master's degree in Computer Science with affinities for Psychology and Social sciences;
o Good programming knowledge and experience with Unity IDE;
o Good programming knowledge and experience with Python programming;
o Research, work, or significant course experience in Human-Computer Interaction;
o Experience and/or keen interest in computer vision and machine learning;
o Experience and/or keen interest to conduct experiments with clinical population;
o Good analytical and communication skills;
o Strong English writing and speaking skills;
o Knowledge of French is a plus.
How to apply
All applicants should submit:
o Curriculum Vitae;
o Letter of motivation;
o Their University transcripts and exam results (bachelor and master level);
o Qualifications in English writing and speaking;
o Most relevant scientific publications, if any.
The application material should be submitted electronically to simon.ruffieux@unifr.ch and denis.lalanne@unifr.ch
Deadline for PhD applicants: 1st of April 2021.
Master students interested may apply as soon as possible.
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Sylvain Bruni
Principal Human Systems Engineer
Johnson City, TN
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