Research Fellow in Human-computer Interaction for Acoustic Levitation (Fixed Term) Ref 537
University of Sussex
School of Engineering and Informatics
Department of Informatics
Full time, fixed term for 36 months
Salary range: starting at £31,656 and rising to £37,768 per annum
Closing date for applications: 01 February 2016
Expected start date: 01 March 2016 or soon after
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/aboutus/jobs/537
An exciting new position has become available to join the newly formed Interact lab at the School of Engineering and Informatics of the University of Sussex, to assist in the development of novel interactions using acoustic levitation systems.
This is a joint project with Prof. Bruce Drinkwater from the University of Bristol and has been funded by EPSRC. The project team comprises of this research fellow in Sussex, a research fellow at Bristol, an artist-in-residence, a project technician and Carbon Visuals (a data-physicalisation company).
The primary goal of this project is to apply the principles of acoustic levitation to create dynamic 3D physical shapes made of large collections of lightweight levitating objects, exploring its potential for human computer interaction and the creation of novel user experiences.
We will create the novel technology to generate multi-object physical levitation, identify user-interaction principles and create multiple system demonstrators. We will explore and demonstrate the potential of our techniques through an “artist-in-residence” scheme, where an artist will create interactive public demonstrations of our project results and prototypes. To this end, it is important that the Research Fellow is able to collaborate and coordinate his/her research activities with the artist.
The Research Fellow from Sussex will be expected to
- Identify the design of light-weight objects that can be levitated; develop and implement the principles of how multiple smaller objects can be assembled to form larger objects (and vice versa).
- Identify interaction design principles and visualisation techniques that can support users in their interactions with this new technology.
The position will involve a variety of tasks: design and construction of light-weight objects that could be levitated, implementing acoustic algorithms, implement interaction techniques, conduct user-studies to identify interaction principles and publishing these results in scientific venues. The applicant will also be expected to help in the teaching of related units.
The position would be suitable for someone with experience on technical aspects of one or more of the following areas
a) human-computer interaction (i.e. audio processing, interactive graphics, augmented reality systems and levitation),
b) acoustic signal processing (with some demonstrated interest and experience with human-computer interaction) and
c) computer graphics (with some interest and experience in human-computer interaction and/or audio processing).
Some previous experience with electronics and using maker space tools (e.g. laser cutters, 3D printers) will be highly valued.
The research fellow will have considerable freedom in shaping the nature of the research project. So we seek a highly organised and motivated individual able to multi-task and work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining excellent attention to detail and bring energy and enthusiasm a vibrant research group. Excellent written and communication skills are also essential.
The Interact Lab is internationally renowned for it research in creating novel interactive devices for enabling new forms of human-computer interaction (HCI). HCI is about applying human abilities to the design of tools, systems, and environments that are safe, effective and comfortable for use.
The lab consists of two permanent members of Staff Prof. Subramanian and Dr. Martinez Plasencia. Alongside these staff members it currently hosts three post-doctoral researchers, 3 PhD students and several visiting researchers. The work of lab members often attracts media attention and offers many public engagement opportunities. One of our successful lines of research is in the field of mid-air haptics and we would draw on our expertise in this topic to propel this area of acoustic levitation.
Employment will be subject to the right to work in the UK. You will work directly with Prof. Sriram Subramanian and Dr Diego Martinez, with a base in the Department of Informatics. You can find more information about the group at www.interact-lab.com
For informal inquiries please contact Prof. Subramanian, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QJ, UK; sriram@sussex.ac.uk.