Job Description

The Future Interfaces Group (FIGLAB) at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a Post Doctoral Fellow working under the direction of Professor Chris Harrison.

FIGLAB develops new sensing and interaction technologies that expand how people interact with computers, devices, and the physical world. Our work spans human–computer interaction, novel sensing systems, ubiquitous computing, wearable and mobile devices, augmented and virtual reality, embedded systems, signal processing, and machine learning. We are especially interested in researchers who enjoy building technically ambitious systems while also investigating compelling applications and user experiences.

The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Harrison and other members of FIGLAB to develop and evaluate new interactive technologies. Candidates may contribute to existing research efforts or propose a complementary research direction that aligns with the lab’s broader interests.

Relevant areas include, but are not limited to:

• Novel sensing and interaction techniques
• Mobile, wearable, and ubiquitous computing
• Augmented, mixed, and virtual reality
• On-body and around-device interaction
• Acoustic, radio-frequency, optical, electrical, and physiological sensing
• Embedded hardware and interactive devices
• Applied machine learning for sensing and interaction
• Fabrication and prototyping of novel interfaces
• Human-centered evaluation of emerging technologies

Responsibilities

The researcher will be expected to:

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of original research projects
• Develop functional hardware and software prototypes
• Conduct technical experiments and, where appropriate, human-subject studies
• Publish research in leading HCI and related venues
• Collaborate with FIGLAB students, faculty, and external research partners
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers
• Contribute to the intellectual and collaborative environment of the lab
• Assist in preparing research proposals and project reports, as appropriate

Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Ph.D. in human–computer interaction, computer science, electrical or computer engineering, mechanical engineering, design, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment; visiting-scholar candidates may hold an equivalent academic or professional research position
• A strong record of research and publication
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop and execute research projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• An interest in interdisciplinary, collaborative, and prototype-driven research

Experience in one or more of the following would be particularly valuable:

• Electronics and embedded systems
• Signal processing
• Machine learning
• Computer vision or computational imaging
• RF, acoustic, capacitive, optical, or physiological sensing
• Mechanical design and digital fabrication
• Mobile, wearable, XR, or interactive-system development
• Experimental design and user studies

Candidates are not expected to have experience in every area. We welcome applicants with complementary technical or methodological strengths who are interested in expanding into new areas.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with FIGLAB’s research before applying. A strong application will clearly explain how the candidate’s expertise could complement the lab’s current work and enable distinctive new research.

Application Instructions

Applications should include a cover letter describing qualifications, a CV and contact information for 3 references. Please direct questions and interest in the position to charriso@andrew.cmu.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.