within the Human-Technology Interaction group of the School of Innovation Sciences (IS), which is part of the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS).

Research at TU/e concerns key new technologies. The university is aware of the implications these technologies can have for human lives and society, including their potential to advance or to compromise the values we cherish as a society (e.g. fairness, privacy, justice). Incorporating these values in the design and development of new technologies requires active contributions by researchers in the social sciences and humanities as well as scientists working in the engineering domains. The department of IE&IS forms the heart of the university's commitment to the social sciences and humanities in preparing future engineers for the challenges of tomorrow.

Research at the School of Innovation Sciences is currently organized into three groups: (1) Human-Technology Interaction; (2) Philosophy & Ethics; (3) Technology, Innovation & Society. In all groups, research concerns how humans and societies bring about technological change, and how technological innovations change society and human behaviour. To investigate the many mutual interactions between humans, society and technology, research spans across fields such as cognitive and social psychology, history and philosophy of technology, and economics of innovation. The aim is to contribute both to research in the humanities and social sciences, and to the design and governance of technological innovations by all relevant stakeholders.  

The Human-Technology Interaction Group

The Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) group of the School of Innovation Sciences concentrates expertise in both social sciences and engineering, studying technology and its relations to humans, and human well-being, within the broader context of a socially and ecologically sustainable society. The HTI group has a strong track record in education at the TU/e, running the BSc program Psychology and Technology and an (international) Master program Human-Technology Interaction. Current research topics at the Human-Technology Interaction group include affective computing, persuasive technology, artificial intelligence, data science, virtual environments, digital gaming, recommender systems, online behavior, natural and artificial light, social robotics, and embodied interfaces. 

The three positions: 

1. Assistant professor in HCI

The HTI group has a strong focus on the application of psychological theories and research methods in technology understanding and user-centered design. The Assistant Professor in HCI has expertise in the area of applied psychology, human-computer interaction and/or interaction design, as testified by a relevant PhD in the area, as well as publications in leading HCI journals and conferences. He or she will be knowledgeable in the application of both qualitative and quantitative methods in HCI, and has experience in teaching HCI-related courses. Additional expertise in one or more of the following areas is considered a plus: quantified self, affective computing, serious games, value-sensitive design, and/or design for a senior population. 

2. Assistant professor in AI

For the HTI group, artificial intelligence is a strong growth area. We explore and wish to improve the user experience of AI, including the ability to provide fair and sensible explanations for decisions made by learning algorithms, and continuous adaptive personalization based on user data. We are looking for a candidate who will be able to connect cognitive psychology and/or neuropsychology to artificial intelligence. The Assistant Professor in AI will have expertise at the intersection of AI and psychology, with a strong human-centered focus, as demonstrated by a relevant PhD, as well as publications in relevant journals and conferences. Additional interest and expertise in social and value-sensitive aspects of AI will be appreciated.  

3. Assistant professor in Light Psychology

The HTI group has a strong research record in studying the experience and effects of ambient light(ing) for day-active people. This includes the investigation of perceptual/psychological mechanisms via the image forming route as well as chronobiological/physiological mechanisms via the non-image forming route of light processing. The Assistant Professor will strengthen this research agenda with demonstrable expertise in the domain at the intersection of natural and/or artificial light with human health, cognition and affective wellbeing. This is testified by a relevant PhD in the area, publications in relevant journals, excellent methodological skills, and experience in teaching in this domain. Affinity with the broader domain of environmental psychology is much appreciated. 

Depending on the level of experience of the candidate, we will consider offering you the position either as a tenure-track or fixed term position. In addition, given that we are hiring these positions simultaneously, candidates who feel that their resume matches parts of more than one of these positions are also invited to apply. 

Tasks

Doing research in areas relevant to the Human-Technology Interaction group;

Teaching courses at bachelor and master level;

Supervising BSc, MSc and/or PhD students;

Applying for externally funded research projects;

Administrative activities (e.g., exam committee, education committee, ethics board);

Valorization activities and working with industrial and societal partners
 

The candidate should be open and interested to work in a multidisciplinary environment, with an international outlook, and with a strong focus on research and teaching excellence, scientific methodology and empirical research.  

The candidate is expected to have the following qualifications:

A Ph.D. degree in one of the relevant disciplines connected to the 3 specific positions mentioned above;

Demonstrable ability to conduct academic research of high quality on relevant problems, demonstrated for instance by a relevant PhD thesis and/or publications;

Demonstrable ability to teach, shown for instance by experience or assistance in teaching and positive evaluations of these teaching efforts;

Excellent communication and organization skills;

Mastery of the English language (fluent);

Strong cooperation skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team;

Strong skillset in coaching Master students and PhD students;

Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and to build bridges between disciplines, especially within the School of Innovation Sciences;

Holds or is willing to obtain a Basic Qualification Teaching (BKO) from the Dutch Universities' teaching certification program.

We offer:

a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious group and department;

a full-time appointment for a period of five years; a tenure evaluation will be conducted  within four years.

a gross monthly salary between € 3.545,- and € 5.513,-, based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience and knowledge;

a yearly holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary;

a yearly end year allowance of 8.3% of the yearly salary;

a broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, savings schemes, daycare facilities and excellent sports facilities).