The research group Human Media Interaction of the University of Twente is looking for a PhD candidate to join the new project Data2Game, funded by The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).

The PhD candidate will be working on adaptive text generation in this project. The goal is to generate natural language texts in Dutch, for use in a training game for Dutch firefighters. The texts will be tailored to the player’s individual needs and competences.

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 the regional fire department (Brandweer Twente) that will be developed within the project in close collaboration with the company Thales/T-Xchange.

The PhD candidate will work on subproject 1 on adaptive text generation. Within this subproject, the PhD candidate will be investigating the automatic generation of texts for use in a training game for Dutch firefighters. These texts will be adapted to the game play context and to the properties of the individual player.  The type of narrative game targeted in our project offers multiple opportunities for such tailoring of textual game content. Specifically, the goal is to work on the generation of in-game texts based on current real-world data, the generation of non-player character dialogue and the generation of post-game narrative feedback on player performance.

The PhD candidate is expected to work in an interdisciplinary team with two other PhD candidates, who will be working on subproject 2 (player modelling) and subproject 3 (game-based learning). 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.

We seek a PhD candidate with a background in a relevant discipline, such as Computational Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science (with a specialization in language technology), 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 both Dutch and English. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to have good programming skills, and to have experience with developing natural language applications.

Information and application:
For more information on the position, please contact dr. Mariët Theune (m.theune@utwente.nl). The full project proposal is available upon request.

To apply, upload the following information via the application link below:

- Motivation letter,
- Curriculum Vitae,
- Copy of the university grade list,
- Contact information of two academic references.

Applications should be sent before the application deadline of August 28, 2017. Interviews are expected to be held in the first half of September. Starting date of the position is as soon as possible.

You will have a full-time (38 hours a week) contract spanning a period of 4 years. The monthly salary ranges from € 2.222,00 (1st year) to € 2.840,00 (4th year), plus holiday allowance (8%) and end-of-year bonus (8.3%). PhD candidates have a full status as an employee at the University of Twente, including pension and health care benefits. Terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor Agreement for Universities (CAO).
 
The University of Twente offers excellent working conditions in a stimulating scientific environment; professional and personal development programs; a green and lively campus, with many sports facilities and other activities.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+, CTIT and MIRA.