Would you rather have R2D2 or C3PO give you a haircut?
As a hairdresser, would you prefer either of these robots helping you?
Whatever you answered, is this what your brain prefers, too?
We are now hiring a PhD student/research assistant on a project aimed at pursuing questions like these. The main goal is to determine how humans trust robots in collaborative scenarios and how we can read human states from self reports and biological signals. The project is led jointly by Art Pilacinski (University of Coimbra/Ruhr-University Bochum) and Sergi Bermudez I Badia (University of Madeira), in collaboration with robotics experts like Ioannis Iossifidis, Alexandre Bernardino and others, including psychologists and neuroscientists.
The candidate will develop virtual reality scenes simulating human-robot collaboration. Then they will use those scenes to collect and analyze human behavioral and physiological data (EEG, biosignal, questionnaires). This is why it is vital that the candidate has a strong interest in experimental research. Experience with EEG/eyetracking is a plus. The candidate will get help from numerous student assistants and collaborators. Work will be performed mainly at Proaction lab (proactionlab.fpce.uc.pt). The lab is equipped with 256
channel EEG, virtual reality+eyetracking and other relevant toys. Further training will be provided at Neurorehab Lab on Madeira (neurorehablab.arditi.pt). There are many options for side projects if schedule allows.
Coimbra is a beautiful medieval city, hosting one of the oldest universities in Europe. It offers a great quality of both personal and academic life. Madeira is a Portuguese island known for its outstanding nature and beaches. The candidate is expected to stay mainly in Coimbra, with some months (especially in the beginning) in Madeira. Travels to Lisbon and Ruhr Area in Germany may be required/encouraged. There are industrial connections in Portugal, Germany and Spain that can be further explored if the candidate is interested.
The candidate needs to have programming skills (Python/Matlab) and be able (or want to learn) to program in Unity 3D. Knowledge of Unity programming and/or robotics is therefore a plus. This is a highly collaborative project so the candidate has to be willing to work together with people from different disciplines. Interpersonal skills are a big plus.
We offer a scholarship of ca. EUR 1100/month as per Portuguese laws, which allows a more than decent living quality in Coimbra. In addition, we offer travel funds for conferences and research stays, etc. The position is for 3 years and the candidate will be encouraged
and helped in acquiring further funds if extension is needed. The starting date would be around June 2023 but can be discussed. The candidate will have an option to pursue a PhD either at University of Coimbra/University of Madeira (Portugal) or one of affiliated institutions in Germany, depending on the candidate's preference and the current situation. We will provide the candidate with continuous support in their research tasks to maintain progress.
To apply, please send your CV to ap[at]uc.pt. For informal inquiries contact Art Pilacinski [ap[at]uc.pt] or Sergi Badia [sergi.bermudez[at]uma.pt].
