[ACT-R-users] Position announcement

[Jonathan Gratch]

Seeking research scientist in Virtual Humans/Systems Integration at
USC's Institute for Creative Technologies

The University of Southern California's Institute for Creative
Technologies (ICT) is involved in fundamental research on advancing 
the state of virtual reality training systems through a combination of
advanced graphics, audio, artificial intelligence and Hollywood
production techniques. ICT's Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) project 
is building towards this goal through the development of interactive 
virtual humans.  These are artificially intelligent software systems 
that are embodied in human-like graphical bodies and that can interact 
with users in real-time through a mixture of natural language and 
non-verbal behavior.  This project involves a tight integration
between several research and commercial components including task 
reasoning, natural language processing, animation, graphics and audio.  
This is a high-profile research project and has received several awards 
for its innovative work.

The MRE project is currently seeking a software engineering/systems 
integration researcher to address the integration and performance
optimization needs of the project.  The ideal candidate will have
experience working with research teams on integrated real-time
behavioral modeling systems, preferably with knowledge of Soar, Act-R
or other cognitive modeling architectures, a working knowledge of 
distributed systems, and familiarity with natural language or
mixed-initiative planning systems. 

The applicant can expect to spend half of their time on basic research
and half on MRE system development.  Duties include working with
MRE researchers to refine system requirements, working with a small
team of developers, contacting vendors and attending conferences
to stay informed of developments in the area.

The ideal applicant will have:
* PhD in computer science
* experience with cognitive modeling architectures (e.g., Soar, Act-R)
* experience with virtual reality systems (e.g., military simulations,
  computer games) 
* familiarity with distributed system architectures
* expertise with C++, UNIX/LINUX/IRIX and Windows operating systems

Interested applicants should apply to job Requisition number XXXX
at http://www.usc.edu/bus-affairs/ers/search.html.

This is a full time, grant-funded position.

Minimum Qualifications: Masters's degree with five years of
experience; however, combined experience/education may substitute for
minimum education. Relevant work experience to provide strong
technical knowledge of programming and analysis and senior or lead
experience. 



_____________________________________________
Jonathan Gratch                              | www.ict.usc.edu/~gratch
Project Leader, Research Assistant Professor | Phone:  (310) 448-0306
USC Institute for Creative Technologies      | Fax:    (310) 574-5725
13274 Fiji Way, Suite 600                    | E-mail:
gratch at ict.usc.edu
Marina del Rey, CA 90292                     |