[CogSci] Postdoctoral Research Associate – Computer science and applied psychology

[Marlena Fraune]

*Title:* Postdoctoral Research Associate – Computer science and applied
psychology – to collaborate in improving human-robot interaction with NASA
scientists



*Job summary: *The Department of Psychology at New Mexico State University
(NMSU) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the
Intergroup Human-Robot Interaction (iHRI) lab, directed by Dr. Marlena
Fraune (https://web.nmsu.edu/~mfraune/). The position is available now and
will remain open until filled. Funding is for approximately two years.



The position is funded by NMSU and New Mexico Space Grant Consortium. The
primary field of interest for the postdoctoral researcher is computer
science, and the secondary is psychology. The postdoctoral researcher will
be involved collaborating with NASA researchers on psychological testing of
human-robot teamwork, producing robot design recommendations, and
especially programming robot behavior based on design recommendations. In
collaboration with Dr. Terry Fong at NASA Ames, we are applying psychology
and human factors concepts to improve robots that will be used on the
International Space Station (ISS), such as Astrobee. For example, Astrobee
can be controlled by a human user like a tool, teleoperated by another
human at mission control, or act autonomously – and it will have different
capabilities depending on the controller (e.g., monitor environment, assist
in ship repair) – but research shows that mode-switching machines can be
confusing and reduce efficiency and success of working with them. We
encourage new approaches and ideas, as well as independent projects that
relate to the project topic. The position requires working closely with the
PI, as well as Dr. Fong, other investigators, and the NASA Guest Scientist
Program. The postdoctoral researcher will program Astrobee robot
simulations and may transfer the code to Astrobee itself.



The postdoctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to be involved
with a project to develop an engineering research center. The postdoctoral
researcher would work on human acceptance of technology such as smart grids
and control of autonomous air and ground systems. For this project, the
researcher will work closely with Engineering colleagues, including Dr.
Liang Sun and a new postdoctoral researcher in the area. Tasks will include
brainstorming, writing white papers, and beginning research project,
programming, and network-building related to the topic.



Because the funding comes partially through the Vice President of Research
(VPR) office, the postdoctoral researcher will also be enrolled in the
Principle Investigator Academy, meant to give researchers more experience
in grant-writing. The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to write 1-2
grant proposals on behalf of the party. Additionally, the postdoctoral
researcher may elect to teach a class while at NMSU.



*Educational Skills/Requirements.* Requirements include (1) Ph.D. in
computer science, (2) Experience in human factors or human-machine
interaction studies, and (3) A promising publication record. Ideal
candidates will have experience with psychology, human-robot, and/or
human-computer interaction (HRI or HCI) studies, strong managerial skills,
and professional experience securing external funding. ****Applicants must
be US citizens.****



*To apply**.* Interested applicants should email: (1) a CV, (2) a brief
description of your research and computing interests, and how they match
the directions of the lab, (3) a writing sample (e.g., a published
manuscript), and (4) letters and/or contact information for three
references to Marlena Fraune at mfraune at nmsu.edu. In addition, formal
applications must be put through the official website –ad will be up
shortly.



For questions about the position, you may contact Marlena Fraune at
mfraune at nmsu.edu.

-- 
Marlena R. Fraune
Assistant Professor
Faculty Mentor: *Psi Chi *(Undergraduate Psychology Honors Society)
Department of Psychology <https://psychology.nmsu.edu/>
New Mexico State University
Web: https://web.nmsu.edu/~mfraune
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