Postdoctoral Researcher Adaptive Human Operator Interaction With Autonomous Systems (Ahoi) Project

Let’s shape the future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral researcher to join our team and contribute to the Adaptive HumanOperator Interaction with Autonomous Systems (AHOI) project. The AHOI project aims to enhance the collaboration between Human Operators and AI systems in the context of collision avoidance in short-sea shipping. The project encompasses four key objectives: 

• Enhance human-centric transparency of AI systems. 
• Optimize handover points between machine and human control. 
• Develop guidelines for designing HMIs for autonomous vessel supervision. 
• Investigate Human Operator selection strategies for autonomous system interaction. 

Position 

The Postdoctoral researcher will play a crucial role in contributing to the successful completion of the AHOI project. Key responsibilities include: 

• Conducting research on human-machine interaction (HMI) and collaboration in the context of Autonomous Systems. 
• Developing and implementing experimental methodologies to evaluate human-machine interaction concepts. 
• Analyzing and interpreting data collected from experimental studies. 
• Collaborating with the research team to design and implement advanced HMIs for autonomous vessel supervision. 
• Contributing to the development of guidelines for Human Operator selection for autonomous system interaction. 
• Disseminating research findings through publications and presentations at conferences and workshops. 
• Take a leading role in the operational coordination of the project, ensuring effective collaboration among individual partners and the coherence of research actions. This includes extensive involvement in planning, monitoring progress, and aligning the contributions of various partners to achieve project objectives. 
• Working collaboratively with the project team to meet project goals and deliverables, and participating in regular project meetings and discussions. 

Profile 

• D. in Human-Computer Interaction, Design Science, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field. 
• Research background in HCI/HMI. 
• Experience with experimental design and data analysis. 
• Familiarity with HCI/HMI design principles and best practices. 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Desirable (but not required):  

• Prior work in Autonomous Systems, especially maritime or similar contexts.  
• Prior experience with machine learning and explainable AI is a plus.  
• Knowledge of ethical considerations and biases in AI.  
• Experience with eye-tracking or other human behavior measurement techniques.  
• Experience with human factors engineering principles. 

What we offer  

• We offer a full-time appointment as post-doctoral researcher for a period of three years. 
• The planned start date is March 1st  2023, or as soon as possible after that date. 
• You will receive a gross monthly salary based on the salary scale of a Postdoctoral researcher or lecturer, depending on your seniority and work experience. 
• You will receive a laptop and support to participate in conferences where appropriate.  
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.  
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.   

Want to apply?  

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including Monday February 19th (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your academic CV.  
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.   
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof Van Rooy at dirk.vanrooy@uantwerpen.be.  

 The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.