Research Associate in Tangible and Haptic User Interfaces

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to conduct a contained project on the conceptual underpinnings of force-based user interfaces. You will explore the use of force as both an input and output modality in interactive devices, and build an understanding of how different styles of force modalities have the potential for new user interactions.

The project is part of Prof Alexander’s ERC Starting grant, FORCE-UI a project that seeks to radically increase the expressivity of touchscreen-based interaction. You will publish your work at one of the leading venues for dissemination in Human-Computer Interaction including ACM CHI, ACM UIST, ACM ToCHI, World Haptics, and ACM SIGGRAPH.

About you

We seek applications from enthusiastic individuals who have a background in Human-Computer Interaction and have a strong interest in the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of interaction. You should have excellent written communication skills, the ability to effectively synthesise literature, and to be able to work independently.

As a Grade 7 Research Associate you will hold a PhD in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Haptics, or other relevant field and be able to demonstrate a suitable publication track record.

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if you are within six months of your course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once your PhD has been awarded.

Further information

This is a full time, fixed term position until 28th February 2026.

You will be hosted in the growing Human-Computer Interaction group in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Bath. Applicants are encouraged to contact Prof Jason Alexander (jma73@bath.ac.uk) and Dr Christina Keating (ck435@bath.ac.uk) before applying to discuss the suitability of their experience and/or qualifications, and to obtain additional information about the position.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.

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