Research Fellow in Cognitive Science Ref: 43859 (Internal Only, Part Time, Fixed Term)

This vacancy is only open to those currently employed by the University of Sussex as an internal opportunity (Including those employed through Adecco, Chartwells, SEF, and the Student Union). 

About the role

This post will be within the Representational Systems Lab within the Creative Technology Group of the Department of Informatics.  You will work with members of the Cognitive Science of Tactile Graphics team.  The role will focus on completing existing lines of research on tactile graphics, for people with visual impairment, and the preparation of a research grant application.   Four sets of activities will be pursued.   (1) Completion of the analysis of existing quantitative and qualitative datasets from experiments with tactile graphics.  (2) Co-authoring papers on those experiments and additionally an article on the cognitive design principles of tactile graphics.  (3) Preliminary exploration using generative AI to produce software to produce tactile graphics.  (4) Supporting the completion of a grant application including liaison with project partners and co-authoring the grant application.   

About you

Ideally you will have a PhD in Cognitive Science and experience of the design, implementation, execution, analysis, interpretation and reporting of experiments in cognitive science.  A substantial knowledge of research in tactile graphics for people with visual impairment is important.  Experience of using generative AI to create software that produces cognitively grounded educational tools is expected.  You will be able to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary cognitive science research team, be able to work interpedently on tasks, and operationalize project objectives.  

About our School

In The School of Engineering and Informatics we cover the disciplines of computer, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical, and automotive engineering, product design, digital media, computer science and informatics. Our distinctive characteristics are: creativity, interdisciplinarity, strong links with industries, and an international outlook in both research and teaching. £10m (£4.9m from HEFCE) has been invested in the Future Technologies Laboratory as a result of a 60% surge in applications for the School’s degrees.

Our interdisciplinary approach applies to our research, with current and recent externally funded projects with researchers in a wide range of other subject areas. Innovative research across the School has led to a number of patents which are being commercialised including: novel electric potential sensors (EPS) licensed to Plessey Semiconductors and marketed as the EPIC sensor chip; and University spin-out companies, including InCrowd Sports, and TexRAD.

Please find further information regarding the School of Engineering and Informatics.

The School of Engineering and Informatics is proud to hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award.

Why work here

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.  

Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that. 

Find out more about our reward and benefits package. 

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Further Key Information 

Please contact Prof Peter Cheng (email: p.c.h.cheng@sussex.ac.uk, phone: 01273 873652) for informal enquiries.

Please submit a published paper that you have (co-)authored in the area of the cognitive science of tactile graphics and another published paper in cognitive science more generally.

The University is committed to equality and valuing diversity, and applications are particularly welcomed from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) at Sussex. 

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Eligibility

Visa Sponsorship Queries: TBC

This post does not include ATAS clearance.  

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.