PhD position in CSAI (1.0 fte) - Embodied Conversational Agents for VR in Education

Project information

In this project, we will develop algorithms to control the behavior of intelligent tutors in virtual environments, including speech synthesis, facial expressions and body movements. The project is a collaboration between Tilburg University and two industry partners.

Facing the needs of our rapidly changing society and the strong technological focus of our next generation of learners, it is clear that the current educational system is outdated and in need of a substantial change. The use of artificial intelligence in combination with virtual and mixed reality environments can provide solutions to this challenge. In these virtual learning environments, intelligent embodied virtual tutors will teach children about a variety of topics.

This PhD position will be jointly supervised by dr. Marie Postma, and dr. Merel Jung in the Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence Department at Tilburg University.

Your tasks/responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Develop algorithms to control the behavior of intelligent tutors (speech synthesis, agent behavior)
• Perform scientific research at the intersection of agent development and virtual reality;
• Develop innovative methods accessible for all partners involved;
• Be a central person in the project, in close contact with all partners;
• Work together with industry partners;
• Present results at (international) conferences;
• Publish results in scientific journals;
• Participate in all activities of the research project group, and collaborate with all other project partners.

The successful candidates should:

• Have a (research) Master’s degree in a relevant area such as Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Human-Computer Interaction or a related discipline;
• Strong programming skills in C#, C++, Python or otherwise;
• Have experience with virtual reality (Unity or Unreal Engine) or should be highly motivated to develop these skills;
• Have a strong interest in artificial intelligence and (non-)verbal communication for the development of intelligent virtual agents for education;
• Have excellent analytical skills and be highly motivated and rigorous;
• Be a fast learner, autonomous and creative, show dedication and be hard working;
• Be enthusiastic about collaborating and participating in groups of academic and non-academic partners;
• Possess good communication skills and be an efficient team worker;
• Be fluent in English, both spoken and written.

The PhD candidate will be employed at Tilburg University. We offer:

• A full-time position.
• The selected candidate will start with a contract for one year. Upon a positive outcome of the first-year evaluation, the candidate will be offered an employment contract for the remaining three years.
• A minimum gross salary of   € 2,325 per month up to a maximum of € 2,972 in the fourth year;
• A holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% (annually);
• Researchers from outside the Netherlands may qualify for a tax-free allowance equal to 30% of their taxable salary (the 30% tax regulation). The University will apply for such an allowance on their behalf;
• Assistance in finding accommodation (for foreign employees);
• The opportunity to perform cutting edge research in a large-scale science project involving TiU, and several commercial partners bringing together expertise of several senior researchers;
• Support for your personal development and career planning including participation in courses, summer schools, conference visits, research visits to other institutes (both academic and industrial), etc.;
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including excellent technical infrastructure, savings schemes and excellent sport facilities).
• The collective labor agreement of Dutch University applies.