PhD on human-centered AI and attention in cognitive technologies

Position PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences

FTE 1,0

Date off 03/07/2024

Reference number V39.7542

Job description

Are you passionate about exploring the intersection of human cognition and technology? Are you interested in gaining expertise in AI, particularly in the field of Deep Learning? Do you have the drive to tackle real-world challenges in assistive technology (e.g., products, equipment, and systems aimed at enhancing learning, working, and daily living)?

Then apply for the PhD position in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and attention at the Human-Technology Interaction Group (HTI).

Job Description 

We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate to join our dynamic team for a PhD position. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work and learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) through close collaboration with Deep Learning experts at the University of Georgia (USA). This unique opportunity will not only provide you with robust and tailored technical support but also expose you to the fundamental principles of human-centric AI design.

Assistive technology refers to products, equipment, and systems designed to improve learning, working or daily living for individuals with physical or cognitive limitations. These technologies can range from simple devices like a smart watch and adaptive keyboards, to more complex systems embedding AI technology such as speech-to-text software and smart home automation. While these systems hold the promise to promote accessibility and inclusion, it is not uncommon to encounter users struggling with its complex demands in terms of attention and cognitive workload. Frequently, these technologies lack the flexibility to offer personalized features and do not always dynamically adapt to the user's strengths. AI can however help to overcome this gap. Deep learning models are exceptional at identifying multiple features in large datasets without explicit programming, and have shown to be adept at enhancing assistive technology biomonitoring systems, human–machine interfaces and physical support devices among others.

This PhD project will involve multidisciplinary work to investigate whether and how a human-centric AI design approach mapping individual users' attention and cognitive profiles can enhance assistive technology capabilities to optimize performance and effectively reduce cognitive workload (e.g. inhibition, working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility demands). The project envisions the design and testing of deep learning algorithms designed for mainstream devices like smartwatches, smartphone applications, tablets or visual displays based on individual profiles, both in controlled lab settings as well as in real-world scenarios where conditions can be more unpredictable.

Specifically, the PhD project will encompass: (1) gaining a good understanding of the relationship among behavioral, psychophysiological and brain mechanisms underlying attention and cognitive control functions, (2) data collection and preprocessing of psychophysiological signals recorded from the body or brain, environmental data (e.g., noise, light conditions, temperature, motion, etc.), and/or performance-based cognitive tasks, and (3) collaborating with machine learning experts (a second PhD student in USA)  integrating personalised AI into meaningful assistive technology interventions (4) critically evaluating methodological approaches in controlled lab settings and real-world scenarios, and reflecting about its potential to boost the positive outcomes of personalized AI-driven assistive technology.

Job requirements

• Recently completed (or be close to the completion of) a Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Experimental psychology, Cognitive Science, Data Science or related discipline with demonstrable interest and/or experience in AI [OR] a Master's degree in AI or related field, with demonstrable interest in psychology, cognitive science, experimental methodology. 
• Experience or strong interest in conducting empirical and/or experimental research, including knowledge of and demonstrable experience with applying (state-of-the-art) statistical techniques. 
• Experience with data wrangling (e.g., in R or Phyton). 
• Open-minded and motivated to be part of an interdisciplinary team. 
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). 
• Speaking Dutch is a plus but not a requirement. 

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us 

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. This PhD position is part of the Sectorplan Techniek, Ontwerpende Ingenieurs Wetenschappen Industrial Design, specifically focused on the topic of Human-Centred AI.

The candidate will be part of the Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) group, which is part of the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS). The HTI group concentrates expertise in social sciences - particularly psychology - and engineering, studying technology in the service of human wellbeing within the broader context of a socially and ecologically sustainable society. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video. 

Information 

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? 
Please contact the supervisory team: dr. Elena Nunez Castellar e.p.nunez.castellar@tue.nl or dr. Linghan Zhang l.zhang1@tue.nl. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Hanneke Huijs-Palmen, HR Advisor, j.b.huijs.palmen@tue.nl or +31 40 2472137. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page. 

Application 

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. 
The application should include a: 

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. 
• Curriculum vitae, including the contact information of two references. 
• A writing sample (ca. 10 pages) which demonstrates your ability to report on scientific theories as well as your expertise with analytic techniques (e.g., (parts of) your master thesis).    

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. You can apply no later than 3 July only via the button below.

The interviews will take place on Wednesday 10 July and Thursday 11 July. You will preferably start your employment on 15 October.