Postdoctoral Research Fellow Human Computer Interaction

Job no: 0040667
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time, Fixed-term until December 2026 
Faculty: Engineering and Information Technology
School: Computing and Information Systems
Salary: Level A –$80,258 - $108,906 p.a.* plus 17% super *(PhD Starting point $101,460)

• Collaborate on a nationally recognised research project and join a world-renowned School of Computing.
• Conduct world-class research, with the opportunity to publish in leading venues, and to contribute to the School’s teaching initiatives.
• Salary packaging, subsidised health and wellbeing services, fitness and cultural clubs, Myki discounts, and a 25% discount on graduate courses to our staff and their immediate families!

About the Role

This fixed-term role involves conducting research under Dr. Melissa Rogerson's DECRA project, "Hybrid Technologies for Tabletop Play." This successful candidate will be based in the Human-Computer Interaction group in the School of Computing and Information Systems.

The role includes developing, implementing, evaluating, and documenting innovative digital and electronic tools for tabletop games. The position entails conducting independent research in a collaborative environment, leading to the publication of research outcomes in prestigious conferences and journals and supervising student research projects. There's also a teaching component, supporting Human-Computer Interaction classes (up to 0.2 FTE) within the School.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and maintain research materials including by rebuilding and repairing older games, developing novel hybrid interaction tools and experiences, creating hybrid variants of published games, and developing new games that exemplify these interactions;
• Evaluate the efficacy and player experience of tools, games and prototypes, and be responsible for conducting qualitative and statistical analysis of research data;
• Contribute to HCI teaching, training, scientific mentoring and supervision of students and graduate researchers.

Who We Are Looking For

To be successful in this role, you will be a highly motivated and accomplished researcher with a strong interest in tabletop games and a demonstrated background in Human-Computer Interaction or an allied field, capable of conducting independent research aligned with team and project goals and producing impactful research outcomes. You should possess excellent communication skills, both in written and verbal forms, to effectively collaborate with other researchers and communicate research findings. You should possess strong time-management and organisational abilities to balance independent research, teaching, and supervision responsibilities. Additionally, adaptability and openness to new ideas are crucial soft skills to thrive in a dynamic academic environment.

You will also have:

• A PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Game Studies, or a closely related discipline
• Experience in designing and developing prototype embedded systems (e.g. Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and skills in programming iOS or Android apps for real-time sensor data processing and communication
• A record of innovative, quality research as evidenced by publications in leading journals and at conferences commensurate with opportunity

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

The successful candidate must hold or be willing to obtain a valid Working with Children Check to ensure the University provides a safe environment for everyone.

Your New Team – School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS)

The School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS) is renowned globally for its excellence in information technology research and teaching. CIS holds a prominent position in Australia, consistently ranking at the top for Computer Science (according to 2023 THE and QS rankings). The school received the highest "5 – Well above world standard" rating in both Information and Computing Sciences and Information Systems in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation.

CIS is home to highly successful research teams specializing in key areas such as Computer Science (CS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Information Systems (IS), along with the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics (CAIDE).

The school offers majors in the three-year undergraduate 'Melbourne Model' degrees and provides specialized graduate programs in CS (including software engineering), AI, HCI, and IS. CIS also has a vibrant community of active graduate research students, both domestic and international, who consistently publish their work in top venues and actively engage with the academic community.

What We Offer You!

In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits page!

About the University of Melbourne

We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact the email address listed at the bottom of the page.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience
• Responses against the Selection Criteria^ (found in the Position Description)

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact Fahim Farzad via email at Faculties-TA@unimelb.edu.au, ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address.

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.

Applications close: 19 October 2023 11:55 PM Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

Position Description:  0040667_Research Fellow -Human Comp Interaction_PD (2).pdf