The research group Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Communication and Information sciences of Tilburg University is looking for a PhD candidate to join the new project Data2Game, funded by The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The Data2Game project investigates how, and to what extent, the efficacy of computerised training games can be enhanced by tailoring the training scenarios to the individual player. The research is aimed at achieving three concrete research innovations, corresponding to three subprojects: (1) techniques for the automated generation of in-game narratives that are tailored to the individual player, (2) techniques for the automated modelling of players’ cognitive and affective states, based on in-game data and exhibited social signals, and (3) validated studies on the relation of the player behaviour and game properties to learning performance. The research outcomes will be implemented and validated in a training game for a regional fire department (Brandweer Twente) that will be developed in close collaboration with the company Thales/T-Xchange.

The Data2Game project is carried out in collaboration between the University of Twente, Tilburg University, Thales/T-Xchange and Brandweer Twente.

The current PhD vacancy concerns subproject #2 on multi-modal player modelling. Within this subproject, the PhD candidate will be working on techniques for the automated modelling of players’ characteristics based on in-game data and exhibited social signals, such that training scenarios can be tailored to the individual player. The PhD candidate will particularly investigate (i) to what extent reliable player models can be built based on multi-modal measurements, (ii) to what extent the similarity of game situations can be expressed - in generalized terms - using automated labeling techniques, in order to predict adaptation effectiveness, and (iii) to what extent effective online personalisation of a serious training game can be realized. 

The PhD candidate is expected to work in an interdisciplinary team with two other PhD candidates, who will be working on subprojects #1 (adaptive text generation) and #3 (game-based learning). Vacancies for the two other PhD positions can be found on the vacancies websites of the University of Twente (subproject 1 & 3).

In addition, the PhD candidate will be collaborating closely with the project team from Thales/T-Xchange. This will involve monthly meetings on location at Thales.

For the position we seek a candidate with a background in a relevant discipline, such as artificial intelligence, computer science, cognitive science, cognitive psychology, or another related area.

The PhD candidate has a (Research) Master’s degree in one of these areas, a strong interest in doing research, excellent professional communication and team working skills, and a good command of Dutch and English. Furthermore the candidate is expected to have good programming skills. Experience or documented interest in psychology and/or developing models of user behaviour or experience is considered an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: one year, concluded by an evaluation. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining three years.

Tilburg University is rated among the top of Dutch employers and has excellent terms of employment. The collective labour agreement of Tilburg University applies. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary. The university will apply for such an allowance on their behalf. The Tilburg School of Humanities will provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation. The university offers very good fringe benefits (it is one of the best non-profit employers in the Netherlands), such as a holiday allowance, an options model for terms and conditions of employment and reimbursement of moving expenses.

• The PhD candidates will be ranked in the Dutch university job ranking system (UFO) as a PhD-student (promovendus) with a starting salary of € 2.191,-- gross per month in the first year, up to € 2.801,-- in the fourth year.
• It is a full-time position.
• The selected candidates will start with a contract for one year, concluded by an evaluation. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining three years.
• Employment starts 1 September, 2017 (or soon thereafter).
• The selected candidate is expected to have written a PhD thesis by the end of the contract (which may be based on articles).

Tilburg School of Humanities (TSH) conducts scientific research and education in the fields of Communication and Information Sciences, Philosophy, Religious studies and Language and Culture studies. The School of Humanities features three departments, several research institutes and a faculty office. Each year around 275 students commence a Bachelor or (Pre) Master Program. The School has approximately 1300 students and 250 employees.

Tilburg School of Humanities