Connectionists: 2 PhD positions: Cognitive robotics modelling + human-robot interaction psychology experiments

[Angelo Cangelosi]

Can you please post this PhD advert in the connectionist mailing list?


THRIVE project: Trust in Human Robot Interaction Via Embodiment

Plymouth University, Centre for Cognitive and Neural Systems

https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/research/crns


Two PhD Studentships: one on Cognitive Robotics Modelling and one in Human-Robot Interaction Psychology Experiments


Project Description

This research is part of the new project “THRIVE: Trust in Human-Robot Interaction Via Embodiment.” This project aims at the investigation of embodiment and socio-cognitive mechanisms in the development of trust between humans and robots engaged in joint tasks. The work will be based on the strategic coupling of developmental robotics modelling and of empirical human-robot interaction experiments. These will investigate the robot’s embodiment properties (e.g. voice, gaze, emotional, humanoid appearance) and socio-cognitive mechanisms (e.g. joint attention, joint action, group assimilation) in establishing trust. This is a 4-year project, funded by the European Office of Aerospace Research and Development.



The robotics PhD student will be responsible for the design and implementation of motor and social strategies in robot platforms (e.g. iCub, Nao, Scitos G5), using a cognitive and developmental robotics approach.


The psychology PhD student will be responsible for the design, execution and data analysis of psychology experiments on trust in human-robot interaction experiments.


The two post holder will collaborate closely for joint robotics and hri experiments.





Eligibility for Cognitive Robotics PhD

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a high grade Bachelors or Masters Degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electronics or related disciplines. The candidate must have excellent programming skills and a strong motivation for research. Previous experience on robotics or human-robot interaction is desirable.


Eligibility for Psychology PhD

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a high grade Bachelors or Masters Degree in Psychology or related disciplines. The candidate must have good knowledge of experimental psychology research methods and a strong motivation for research. Previous experience on human-robot interaction is desirable.

The post holder will collaborate closely with a second PhD student responsible for the design of psychology experiments on human-robot interaction. This second position, for a Psychology/HRI student, is also open.



Funding

The studentship will have a 4-year duration and consists of an annual bursary of approximately £13,863 per annum. The tuition fees will be paid directly by the project. There will be a 6-month probation period. The start date is 1 January 2015.



For further information on the project or for an informal discussion, please contact Professor Angelo Cangelosi at a.cangelosi at plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:a.cangelosi at plymouth.ac.uk>. Details about Plymouth University can be found at www.plymouth.ac.uk<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk>.



For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate<http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/postgraduate>. Applicants should send a completed application form with copies of their qualifications and transcripts, two academic references, English Language qualification (if appropriate), a covering letter and a CV to Mrs Carole Watson, Graduate School, 3rd Floor Link Building, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA or via email to c.watson at plymouth.ac.uk<mailto:c.watson at plymouth.ac.uk>.



Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 29 August 2014

Interviews will be held on 26 September 2014

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