PhD Studentship at UWF-IHMC Department of Intelligent Systems and Robotics

Starting Date: August 2024

The University of West Florida (UWF) and the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) invite applications for a PhD position at the Department of Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISR). For more information about the PhD program, please visit www.uwf.edu/isr.

Description: In conjunction with completing coursework at UWF relevant to the ISR program, the PhD student will work on a DoD-funded program of work investigating predictors (e.g., dispositional characteristics, technical skills, cognitive skills) of effective human-AI team performance. The PhD student will help conduct research activities, including data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation, under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Brady DeCouto and Dr. Mark Williams.

This studentship provides the opportunity for the PhD student to work at the intersection of several of IHMC’s core areas of research, including Intentions, Beliefs, and Trust (IBT), Human-Machine Communication and Language Processing (HMCLP), and Health, Resilience, and Performance (HRP). Consequently, PhD students will have the opportunity to be exposed to and interact with research from a variety of ISR-relevant domains during the studentship. The PhD student will have access to IHMC’s research facilities and staff.

The ideal candidate should have a strong academic background with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, kinesiology, cognitive science, engineering, computer science, or a relevant discipline (Master’s degree is preferred). Other desirable skills are:

  • Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R, C++)
  • Demonstrated technological-savviness
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary research domains
  • Experience working in a research lab or on a research team

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should email mwilliams@ihmc.org with:

  • Cover letter (max 1-page PDF) highlighting their suitability for the role
  • CV (PDF)
  • Download this Pre-Interview Questionnaire pdf, fill it out and attach it. Name your file: “YourLastName_Questionnaire.pdf”

All candidates under consideration will be subject to an additional application and approval by the UWF/IHMC ISR program.

About UWF: UWF, established in 1963, is a public university in the State University System of Florida. UWF has more than 70 undergraduate degree programs, 36 graduate and specialist degree programs. UWF is a comprehensive research university without faculties of law or medicine, with the third largest campus area in the State University System. www.uwf.edu

About ISR Program: ISR Ph.D. program brings together the strengths of UWF engineering and computer science programs and the expertise of the world-class research center, IHMC. The program will train the next generation of researchers who will develop technologies combining human and machine elements through hands-on and leading-edge research. This dynamic partnership between UWF and IHMC allows students to tap into the expertise of a world class research center to make their mark in the field. www.uwf.edu/intelligent-systems-and-robotics

Please reach out to Dr. Mark Williams (mwilliams@ihmc.org) or Dr. Brady DeCouto (bdecouto@ihmc.org) if you have questions.

Location: Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), Pensacola, FL

IHMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.