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3 Postdoc Positions in Human-Robot-Bonding

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  • Job
    Full-time
    Entry, Junior & Mid Level
  • Science
    Research & Development
  • Amsterdam

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MANAGEMENT-OFFICE ASSISTENT

JobVrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
Junior Level

Requirements

  • Having completed a PhD-degree in Communication Science (Media Psychology), Psychology (Developmental, Clinical or Clinical Psychology), Educational Sciences, Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence), Computational Linguistics, or closely related fields.
  • Strong interest in advancing the social-psychological aspects of robots to serve in society, specifically in healthcare and education.
  • Related, strong interest in psychological and mediated processes in interacting with social robots for communicative purposes.
  • Ample experience with and substantial knowledge about empirical (field and/or experimental) studies and research designs.
  • Strong analytical skills, including advanced statistical and programming skills; demonstrated experience with R and/or Python. Affinity with social technologies.
  • Interest in, and preferably experience with, multi-method approaches combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies (e.g., focus groups and experiments).
  • Demonstrated excellent academic writing skills.
  • Demonstrated affinity, experience, and leadership qualities in collaborating with scientific colleagues, societal partners, and public outreach.
  • Good cross-disciplinary team collaboration and oral and written communication skills.
  • Interest in working in an interdisciplinary project in collaboration with various experts in communication science, psychology, computer sciences, among others.
  • Experienced in following ethical guidelines for scientific research, open science principles, team science, and data management practices.
  • Mastery of both Dutch and English language skills.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate in an interdisciplinary team (media psychology, developmental and clinical psychology, computational linguistics, computer sciences/AI) to further develop and empirically validate a theory on affective bonding with social robots through focus groups and field studies in special needs education (postdoc-1), care for disabled (young) adults (postdoc-2) and therapeutic assistance for adolescents (postdoc-3).
  • Jointly, during the first six months, the team will align the various sub-projects and literature reviews will bring knowledge from the diverse fields together.
  • The team will then also prepare active consent and properly informed participant information materials in accordance with ethical guidelines, as well as acknowledging Open Science principles.
  • First studies in each sub-project explore best fitting robot options, communication cues, users’ needs, and goals to be aligned between robots and targeted users.
  • To assess the theoretical constructs in the model, new short-form measurement devices need to be developed and optimized through pre-testing and validation in representative samples.
  • Further testing occurs with various robots differing in appearances and competencies within specific social contexts, related to answer the overarching research question.
  • Together with the supervisors and team members, you will plan and execute your own research project, collaborate in others, carry out your research according to international standards and open science principles, make your research and experiments publicly available and reproducible, and publish it in leading international journals, conference proceedings, and brief reports accessible to the public at large.
  • The postdocs will take part in the supervision of the research work of the PhD-candidates that should result in timely completion of their dissertations.
  • In addition to building a strong research track, supervision experience is important for your academic development as well as gaining experience in teaching.
  • Therefore, the position also allows for the possibility to add a small teaching position next to the .8 fte research position.
  • More detailed information is available upon request.
  • Postdoc-1 (0.8 fte, 4 yr) will focus on robot-assisted education for children with ‘special needs’ (e.g., ASD), and thus, contribute to developing a robot as tutor for special educational tasks.
  • Postdoc-2 (0.8 fte, 4 yr) will focus on (physically) disabled (young) adults to be accompanied by a robot to reduce loneliness, provide companionship and stimulate social activities, thus, contribute to developing a robot as companion.
  • Postdoc-3 (0.8 fte, 4 yr) will focus on building a socio-affective relationship in therapeutic interventions for adolescents with mood issues (e.g., mild depression) while they are on the waiting list for treatment, thus, contribute to developing a robot as ‘therapist’ or rather ‘therapeutic assistant’.

FAQs

What is the focus of the ERC project ROBOT-BOND?

The ERC project ROBOT-BOND aims to develop and empirically validate a new theory on Human-Robot Bonding for long-term interactions, specifically targeting groups such as children, adolescents, students, and adults in healthcare and education contexts.

How many postdoctoral positions are available?

There are three postdoctoral research positions available.

What are the specific focuses of each postdoc position?

- Postdoc-1 focuses on robot-assisted education for children with special needs, such as ASD. - Postdoc-2 focuses on providing companionship to physically disabled (young) adults through robots. - Postdoc-3 focuses on building a socio-affective relationship in therapeutic interventions for adolescents with mood issues.

What qualifications are required for applicants?

Applicants must have completed a PhD in Communication Science, Psychology (Developmental, Clinical), Educational Sciences, Computer Science (AI), Computational Linguistics, or closely related fields, along with strong analytical, writing, and collaboration skills.

Are there opportunities for teaching in these positions?

Yes, the positions may allow for a small teaching component in addition to the research duties, aiding in academic development.

What is the duration of the appointments?

The initial appointment will be for 1 year, with the possibility of extension up to 4 years based on performance.

What type of salary can candidates expect?

The salary ranges from €3,345 to €6,148 per month for full-time employment, depending on experience and academic level, with annual increases following positive performance evaluations.

Will candidates work collaboratively with others?

Yes, the postdocs will collaborate closely with two PhD candidates and a multidisciplinary team that includes an AI/software engineer and other research assistants.

What is the preferred start date for the positions?

The preferred start date for the positions is January 1, 2025.

How should candidates apply for these positions?

Candidates should apply via the application button by uploading their CV and application letter by November 14, 2024, indicating their preferred position(s). Applications received via email will not be considered.

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