NCCA Ph.D. Opportunity in Scalable Human-Machine Teaming

IHMC is seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate to join our pioneering research in scalable human-machine teaming (HMT). This position offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking work in the coordination of human and machine agent’s activity, both physical and cognitive, to enhance team performance at scale.

We are looking for innovative thinkers ready to explore how humans can effectively manage and collaborate with multiple intelligent systems. This includes topics such as situation awareness, intent, common ground, decision-making, coordination and communication. Some areas out of scope for this call are affective/emotional computing and physiological sensing.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct novel research in scalable HMT, focusing on effective team performance.
  • Develop and test algorithms for HMT, in simulation and with physical hardware.
  • Design and conduct experiments, including with human subjects.
  • Publish findings in top-tier conferences and journals.

Required Qualifications:

  • Strong programming and algorithm development skills.
  • Experience with physical systems (e.g., sensors, localization, perception, control).
  • Familiarity with human-machine interaction and teaming concepts.
  • Working knowledge of prior HMT research and current challenges.

Desirable Experience:

  • Robotics simulation and control software (e.g., ROS, Unity, or custom platforms).
  • Machine learning, especially graph-based approaches.
  • Human-subject research, data analytics, and IRB protocols.
  • Team performance measures and metrics.
  • User interface design for complex robotic or autonomous systems.

Competencies:

  • High degree of emotional intelligence; social and self-awareness.
  • Ability to perform job functions independently and able to solve complex problems without significant assistance, or with limited supervision, and work effectively either on own or as part of team.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Collaborative mindset with a focus on team success within a tightly coupled, interdisciplinary team.

Why IHMC?

The Institute for Human & Machine Cognition is internationally recognized for leading research in robotics, AI, and human-centered systems. Join us to help shape the future of scalable teaming between humans and intelligent machines

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email the following documents to nccacareers@ihmc.org.

  • Current resume in pdf format. Name your file: “YourLastName_Resume.pdf”.
  • Cover letter in pdf format. Name your file: “YourLastName_CoverLetter.pdf”; and
  • Download this Pre-Interview Questionnaire.pdf, complete and sign the form (typed signature will not be accepted) and attach it. Name your file: “YourLastName_Questionnaire.pdf

You must be authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this position.

IHMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer