Postdoc Position in Responsible Immersive / Extended Reality (AR/VR/MR) Technologies

The Compliant & Accountable Systems Group seeks a post-doctoral researcher to work on issues relating to responsible immersive and extended reality (XR) technologies. Our group takes an interdisciplinary, socio-technical approach, exploring the technical, legal, policy, social, and user dimensions to improve the governance of emerging technologies to help ensure they are appropriate, secure, safe, accountable, and aligned with the public good. 

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated postdoc to explore how immersive and XR technologies (AR/VR/MR, metaverse) can be responsibly developed, governed and their harms managed. Depending on your expertise, this may involve analysing XR systems in practice, conducting empirical studies of their use and impacts, or developing technical, design and governance approaches to enhance accountability, transparency, privacy and safety. 

The position offers scope to shape the research according to your strengths and interests, supported by an interdisciplinary team and international collaborations. This is a one-year position, offering the chance to deliver visible contributions and concrete ways forward for a fast-developing field. 

Candidate Profile 

We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds with a demonstrated background in XR. The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant discipline. Candidates who are close to completing their PhD are also encouraged to apply; the appointment will commence after the PhD has been awarded.
• Have a strong research and publication record in XR/immersive technologies.
• Demonstrate interest in responsibility, governance, accountability, privacy, safety and broader implications of XR.
• Possess excellent analytical and communication skills in English.
• Be able to work independently and in interdisciplinary collaborations. 

Responsibilities 

• Establish and lead a new research direction in Responsible XR.
• Conduct and publish high-quality research in leading ACM and IEEE forums.
• Supervise and mentor students and junior researchers.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with external partners.
• Contribute to shaping research agendas, funding proposals and collaborative projects.
• Engage with policy, industry and the public where appropriate. 

Our Environment

The successful candidate will join the Compliant & Accountable Systems Group, part of RC-Trust: a multi-university centre focused on interdisciplinary research regarding AI and emerging technologies. The group collaborates closely with the University of Cambridge and has strong international links to research and policy networks. 

You’ll benefit from:

• A highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and travel.
• Engagement with stakeholders in policy, industry and academia.
• A supportive, mission-driven environment that values autonomy and impact. 

For further information on the position, including application deadlines and appointment terms, please click the 'Apply' button

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