The HCI Lab at Saarland University (http://hci.cs.uni-saarland.de) is seeking an outstanding Postdoctoral Associate to conduct cutting-edge research in the area of fabrication and new materials.
In the HCI Lab, we explore the future of digital fabrication. We investigate how new materials, paired with 3D printing, laser cutting or textile processing, allow us to computationally fabricate functional user interfaces: objects or surfaces that can sense user input, display information, provide haptic output, or change shape. This opens up exciting opportunities for new generations of embedded, tangible and wearable user interfaces that are characterized by new functional properties, rich materials, flexible shapes, and a high degree of personalization.
The position is situated within this context, in an environment that offers much creative freedom and support to conduct cutting-edge research. You can shape the ideas you pursue, in one or several of the following areas:
- New fabrication techniques for interactive surfaces, objects or devices; e.g., based on 3D printing, laser cutting, inkjet printing, textile processing
- Computational design tools
- New materials for human-computer interaction
- Fabrication of e-textiles
- Soft robotics
- Printed sensors, displays, or actuators
- Personal fabrication
- Real-world exploration of fabrication approaches with user groups
- Applications of computationally fabricated user interfaces
The lab is part of the German Cluster of Excellence on Multimodal Computing and Interaction. We have a strong research focus, a strong presence at CHI and UIST, and ongoing collaborations with major international institutes. Saarbruecken is one of the top research sites in HCI, with 10 papers published at CHI 2019. You will work closely with members of the HCI lab and frequently interact with members of the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI, and the Leibniz Institute for New Materials, all based on Saarland Informatics Campus in Saarbruecken (Germany).
Some papers from our group:
QUALIFICATIONS
A successful candidate has:
- a PhD degree in Computer Science, Information Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or related field (or is about to obtain the PhD degree)
- has an outstanding track record of publications in top-tier venues related to human-computer interaction
creativity, independence - excellent team working and communication skills,
- high motivation for research at the intersection of HCI and new technologies
- proficiency in English is a prerequisite, proficiency in German a plus
POSITION
We offer a fully funded post-doc position for two years. The start date is flexible, but fall/winter 2019 is preferred. Salaries are internationally competitive, based on state employees salary scheme TV-L E 13 or E 14 (100%), and include health insurance and social insurance.
Your role will involve the design, prototyping, and/or evaluation of new fabrication methods, as well as writing up the results for academic publication. You will contribute to the leadership of ongoing projects while also initiating new ones based on your unique background and expertise. You will also have the opportunity to supervise graduate and undergraduate students and (moderately) contribute to the teaching activities of the lab.
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT
Saarbruecken can count itself amongst the best locations for computer science research worldwide. In immediate proximity to each other on the Saarbrücken Campus, you find Saarland University’s Department of Computer Science, the two Max Planck Institutes for Informatics and for Software Systems, the German Excellence Cluster “Multimodal Computing and Interaction”, the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the Helmholtz CISPA center for IT security, and a few other research institutes, all in all with some 400 researchers. Together they attract talent from all over the world with the Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science playing an important supporting role. You can find more information on http://saarland-informatics-campus.de/.
HOW TO APPLY
We start reviewing candidates on 3 June 2019. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Please submit a cover letter (describing research experience, fit for position and future interests), your CV, a full list of publications, study transcripts, names and contact information of three references, and PDFs of three selected publications. Please send your application via e-mail to Kathrin Keim, keim@cs.uni-saarland.de. Should you have questions about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Jürgen Steimle http://hci.cs.uni-saarland.de/juergen. Saarland University is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the policy of increasing the proportion of women in this type of employment, we actively encourage applications from women. For candidates with equal qualifications, preference will be given to people with physical disabilities.
