Graduate Assistantship in Accessible Navigation and Spatial Computing
The VEMI Lab (https://umaine.edu/vemi/) at the University of Maine is seeking a fully funded Ph.D.- level graduate assistant to join ongoing human-centered spatial computing projects related to accessible navigation, multisensory augmented reality, and inclusive autonomous transportation.
Students will work with Dr. Nicholas Giudice and the VEMI Research Team on various projects developing new variants of multisensory, human-centered interfaces and accessible navigation tools. The lab’s current line of research includes, but is not limited to, multisensory maps, indoor/outdoor navigation systems, and autonomous vehicle research focused on human-vehicle collaboration, trust, and accessibility related to AVs. The student’s doctoral research will include conducting rigorous studies with human subjects, as well as technical development of mobile applications and immersive simulations.
Successful candidates will enter the Spatial Information Science and Engineering Ph.D. program at UMaine, (https://spatial.umaine.edu/) and will receive a full tuition waiver and stipend.
Responsibilities:
- Conceptualize, design, and conduct behavioral research
- Support the technical development and evaluation of multisensory interfaces supporting accessible mobility, navigation, and transportation leveraging Apple Vision Pro, computer-vision, in-vehicle interfaces, and mobile smart devices
- Author peer-reviewed journal and conference papers
- Contribute to writing grants and other funding applications
Qualifications:
- Background (or strong interest) in conducting human-subject research
- Background (or strong interest) in human-centered design or related fields
- Background (or interest) in Unreal, Unity, and/or iOS development
- SwiftUI, C++, C#, and/or Python experience
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Experience with data analysis and statistical analysis packages (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel’s Analysis ToolPak)
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit the following documents to nicholas.giudice@maine.edu:
- Motivation letter covering your research experience, interests, and fit with the projects
- CV (please ensure that relevant programming experience is included)
- Contact information for at least one reference
Candidates who successfully pass the initial screening process with Dr. Giudice must also apply and be accepted to the Ph.D. program in Spatial Computing in the School of Computing and Information Science at the University of Maine.
The University of Maine [Orono] is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: [Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System) or by email to: equal.opportunity@maine.edu]