TU-ID: 193 | 2024 | 44 | 242606
University Assistant Prae-Doc (all genders)
40 hours/week | limited to 4 years
TU Wien is Austria's largest institution of research and higher education in the fields of technology and natural sciences. With over 26,000 students and more than 4000 scientists, research, teaching, and learning dedicated to the advancement of science and technology have been conducted here for more than 200 years, guided by the motto "Technology for People". As a driver of innovation, TU Wien fosters close collaboration with business and industry and contributes to the prosperity of society.
At the Institute of Visual Computing and Human-Centered Technology, in the Research Unit of Artifact-based Computing & User Research, TU Wien is offering a position as a university assistant (prae-doc) limited wo expected 4 years for 40 hours/week.
Do you have a passion for robotics and AI and you want to make an impact? Are you interested in designing and building autonomous robots that can better support people in their daily lives? If so, this might be for you! We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student who has a passion for building interactive robots and drones, and for creating new interfaces between humans and autonomous systems.
In recent years, aerial robots (a.k.a. drones) have emerged as critical tools in disaster management efforts. Their ability to access difficult-to-reach places has made them especially valuable for supporting first responders, such as by surveying and gathering data, as well as supporting victims by, for instance, delivering essential supplies. Yet, the support provided by drones remains limited to their conception as remote aerial sensors or automated delivery vehicles. You will explore the untapped potential of drones to better support people (i.e., first responders and victims alike) by designing, developing, and evaluating human-machine interfaces for collocated human-drone interaction.
Do you have a passion for robotics and AI and you want to make an impact? Are you interested in designing and building autonomous robots that can better support people in their daily lives? If so, this might be for you! We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student who has a passion for building interactive robots and drones, and for creating new interfaces between humans and autonomous systems.
In recent years, aerial robots (a.k.a. drones) have emerged as critical tools in disaster management efforts. Their ability to access difficult-to-reach places has made them especially valuable for supporting first responders, such as by surveying and gathering data, as well as supporting victims by, for instance, delivering essential supplies. Yet, the support provided by drones remains limited to their conception as remote aerial sensors or automated delivery vehicles. You will explore the untapped potential of drones to better support people (i.e., first responders and victims alike) by designing, developing, and evaluating human-machine interfaces for collocated human-drone interaction.
Tasks:
- Your task will consist in implementing a series of human-machine interface prototypes (software and hardware) for automated drones in an emergency context. You will work following a human-centered design process. Part of your work will consist in running user studies with various stakeholders using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Some of the studies will take place in a laboratory, while others will take place in the wild. Your role will then be to analyze the data and use the results to iterate future versions of your prototype. You will work both independently and as part of a team and you are expected to bring both rigor and creativity to the project.
- You will collaborate on research and teaching tasks as well as examinations. You will guide students and participate in research and project activities. You will write your dissertation and scientific papers while also participating in scientific events. You will assist and collaborate in organizational and administrative tasks.
Your profile:
- Completion of a master's or diploma degree in Computer Science or similar fields
- Experience in Human-Robot Interaction, Robotics, or Mechatronics
- Strong motivation to do research and interest in robotics and new technologies (e.g., participation in challenges or robotic competitions)
- Confidence in working both independently and collaboratively
- Strong technical skills. Including, but not limited to: the ability to program in one or several programming languages (e.g., Python, C/C++, ROS, Arduino, Ardupilot)
- Proficiency in analyzing data and statistics
- Interest in research in the field, as well as supervision and work with students
- A can-do attitude and hands-on creative technologist
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English and German
- Very good communication, teamwork, and innovation skills
We offer:
- A wide variety and exciting range of tasks in a collegial team
- Flexibility in working time arrangements
- A range of attractive social benefits (see Fringe-Benefit Catalogue of TU Wien)
- Wide range of internal and external training opportunities, various career options
- The central location of the workplace as well as good accessibility (U1/U4 Karlsplatz)
TU Wien is committed to increasing the proportion of women in particular in leadership positions. Female applicants are explicitly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to women when equally qualified, unless reasons specific to a male applicant tilt the balance in his favour.
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
People with special needs are equally encouraged to apply. In case of any questions, please contact the confidant for disabled persons at the university, Mr. Gerhard Neustätter.
Entry level salary is determined by the pay grade B1 of the Austrian collective agreement for university staff. This is a minimum of currently EUR 3,578,80/month gross, 14 times/year for 40 hours/week. Relevant working experiences may increase the monthly income.
We look forward to receiving your application until November 21st, 2024.
Applications written in Englisch must include the following documents:
For content-related questions please Prof. Dr. Jessica Cauchard, jessica.cauchard@tuwien.ac.at
We look forward to receiving your application until November 21st, 2024.
Applications written in Englisch must include the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter including a brief statement introducing yourself and describing why you are interested in joining us for a PhD
- Grade report
- Title/topic of Master's thesis (if available)
- Accomplishment letter: Please share three accomplishments you are most proud of; It can be anything that demonstrates your technical capabilities, such as: any software or hardware artifact you created, artwork portfolios, mobile apps you designed and/or published in a market, and hackathon outcomes; If you worked as a group, please clarify what role you took and what contributions you made to each project
For content-related questions please Prof. Dr. Jessica Cauchard, jessica.cauchard@tuwien.ac.at
