[iva] PhD position in computerised health coaching - TU Delft - The Netherlands

[Willem-Paul Brinkman - EWI]

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Position: PhD position in computerised health coaching
Location: Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
Contract: 4 years
Salary: 2325 - 2972 euro per month (full day)
Deadline: March 22, 2020
Working hours: 38-40 hours weekly
Website: https://tinyurl.com/rhkn5e4
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JOB DESCRIPTION
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Smoking and insufficient physical activity are key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as a heart attack.  By using data science techniques, we hope to develop a highly personalized physical wellness and smoking cessation program. Starting and continuing the desired lifestyle change is difficult. We, therefore, want to support individuals with a computer-based coach, i.e. a conversational agent. This coach will inform, motivate, and assist the individual in setting personal goals and carrying out the health program.


Within the context of NWO Perfect Fit project, the PhD-research will focus on this coach, especially on the motivational communication with the individual. The coach will establish an individualised persuasive profile by learning from its interaction with the individual, for example, how he or she reacts to specific motivational styles and strategies. The coach will use this to optimise its support over time. Depending on the platform the user is using, the computer-coach might communicate differently with the user. For example, on a laptop, the coach might be represented as an embodied speech-based virtual character, while on a mobile phone the coach communicates through text messages using, for example, Whatsapp, Telegram or Signal.


The research work is a combination of developing the coach and empirical evaluation of its usability and user acceptance.  As a PhD student, your task concerns the following activities:


--conduct participatory design workshops, Wizard of Oz testing and focus groups with Dutch patients to establish early on design ideas and to investigate user values and concerns.

--design and write software for the coach, and empirically evaluate user communication with the coach.

--present results on scientific conferences.

--publish in renowned scientific journals.

--participate in the activities of the project team involving PhD students, PostDocs, developers, researchers, health-care providers of the participating organisations.


DEPARTMENT & RESEARCH GROUP
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The department of Intelligent Systems (INSY) conceptualizes computer science methodologies to sense, abstract, learn, reason, elicitate and adapt data and their meaning in ways that respect human values in order to increase human effectiveness in well-being and social innovation. At the heart of the department is therefore the research and teaching in computer science theory, algorithms and solutions for information processing systems that support humans (e.g. robotics), new products (e.g. internet services), and science (e.g. biology)


The Interactive Intelligence group focuses on interaction of users with intelligent systems. In particular we have a strong track record on the development of smart interactive agents.  Such agents possess capabilities including learning, reasoning, social skills, emotions, and norms and can interact with humans. These agents typically function as coach, artificial actor, or companion, and are used in a wide variety of applications including therapy, health and entertainment.



REQUIREMENT
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We are looking for candidates with the following profile:

--a master degree in the area of computer science, artificial intelligence, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, or related area.

--experience with quantitative and qualitative research, statistical analysis is an added value.

--comfortable with computer programming.

--good communication skills, both spoken and written English and Dutch (alternatively if not Dutch, a German native speaker willing and able to successfully complete an intensive Dutch language course).

--comfortable with interacting with end-users in Dutch.


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
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TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.


As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd<http://www.tudelft.nl/phd> for more information.


APPLYING
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For information about this vacancy, you can contact Willem-Paul Brinkman, associate professor, email: w.p.brinkman at tudelft.nl<mailto:w.p.brinkman at tudelft.nl>.


For information about the selection procedure, please contact Karin Reijenga, HR, email: C.A.Reijenga at tudelft.nl<mailto:C.A.Reijenga at tudelft.nl>.

To apply, please send by e-mail an application letter, a curriculum vitae, transcripts of BSc and MSc degrees, copies of BSc and MSc diplomas, proof of language skills if applicable, and the names of two references by March 22, 2020, to Ms. M.I. Heemskerk, vacancies-eemcs at tudelft.nl<mailto:vacancies-eemcs at tudelft.nl>, mentioning vacancy number 2019-76.


Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated.

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