Three-year Postdoctoral Position in Multisensory Virtual Reality

The Human Interface Technology Lab New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, NZ has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral researcher.

This three-year position will focus on the design, implementation, evaluation, and deployment of multisensory feedback techniques in immersive Virtual Reality (VR) systems. The work will involve research into methods for generating and delivering multisensory cues in concert to produce user experiences that mimic real-world situations in high fidelity.

In addition, novel user interface techniques focusing on expressive, non-fatiguing interaction that can be used to support long-duration VR use will be designed and evaluated.

The successful candidate must have completed a PhD in a VR-related field, such as computer science, and have a history of successful work in conducting user studies in VR, as evidenced by publications in appropriate venues.

Significant mentoring of the successful candidate will be provided by senior academic staff, giving the candidate a solid foundation for assuming a more-permanent position at the conclusion of the appointment. The candidate will be given significant freedom to help manage and guide the more-junior members of the research team, and as such, build skills in project and team management.

Results of the work will be submitted for publication in leading journal and conference venues, and there is significant budget for travel to present the work.

The candidate will also have the opportunity to assist in delivering courses within our Master of Human Interface Technology programme, covering tropics around usability, prototyping, and evaluation.

The HIT Lab NZ is one of the leading research labs focused on human-centred design of technology to support people in all facets of their lives. We put the person first, and then apply an appropriate mix of technology for that person in the context of the tasks they are doing. The Lab is very international in flavour, and interdisciplinary in thought and approach.

Needless to say, New Zealand provides an unbelievable setting to perform this work, and the HIT Lab NZ values a balanced approached to work and life. Christchurch is the prime spot to launch excursions around New Zealand, as it has an international airport, and is in the middle of South Island. This provides easy access to beaches, pristine forests with extensive, well-maintained walking and mountain-biking tracks, excellent skiing in winter, and easy connections to other locations such as Australia. Christchurch is also very family friendly.

For more information or to submit your application, please see the following links:

Official posting and application link: http://tinyurl.com/hitlabnzpostdoc2016

HIT Lab NZ: http://www.hitlabnz.org/

University of Canterbury: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

Christchurch, NZ: http://www.christchurchnz.com/

Living & Working in NZ: https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/