At the Audiovisual Technology Group, Institute for Media Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Center (I3TC), we are looking to hire
two full-time
PhD Students (f/m/d)
on the topics
(1) Audiovisual scene analysis and cognitive performance for speech perception in multi-person scenarios in eXtended Reality (XR)
and
(2) Audiovisual perception, interaction and cognition in real-world and eXtended Reality Environments
each for an initial period of 3 years.
Please note the soon upcoming application deadline Sept. 1st 2024!
The vacancies are funded as part of the DFG priority program AUDICTIVE (www.spp2236-audictive.de). The specific projects will be carried out at TU Ilmenau in collaboration with other high-class university partners in Germany.
For each of the two projects, the results obtained in the 3-year research may contribute to a possible doctoral thesis at TU Ilmenau.
The Audiovisual Technology Group (www.tu-ilmenau.de/mt-avt) at the Institute of Media Technology is a growing international, interdisciplinary university research team working on topics related to auditory, visual and audiovisual technology and perception, AR/VR/MR, multimedia networks, Quality of Experience and HCI. Our work in these areas ranges from fundamental research to applied research in collaboration with industry partners. The AVT group is also part of the newly established I3TC (Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Center, www.tu-ilmenau.de/i3tc).
Your research and profile (per each PhD position)
(1) Audiovisual scene analysis and cognitive performance for speech perception in multi-person scenarios in eXtended Reality (XR)
Details and application: https://jobundkarriere.tu-ilmenau.de/jobposting/1c27b80dbc4f0e10e6b0e342485e153b9271e0420
In your research, you will investigate questions of audiovisual perception and cognition in interaction with eXtended Reality (XR) environments. Here, the focus is on audiovisual scene analysis and speech perception in audiovisual scenes with several people and the associated cognitive performance. The aim is to investigate how the acoustic and visual complexity of the scene interacts with human information processing. The project will also analyse how the results may depend on the age group of the test subjects, from children to adults. Key objects of research are the recording (360° video) and design (Unity-based environment and animations) of corresponding audiovisual scenes, and the methods used to analyse human audiovisual perception and cognition. The investigations also provide information on the quality of the XR technology settings used.
Your Profile:
For being part of the selection process is needed:
Completed academic university studies (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) in one of the fields of media informatics or media technology, or corresponding engineering or science subjects, such as computer science, neuroinformatics, human-computer interaction or computer linguistics
Practical experience in at least three of the following fields: Audio/video/multimedia technology, digital video signal processing and/or audio signal processing, voice communication, statistical analysis methods, implementation/evaluation of empirical studies.
Very good knowledge in Unity or Unreal Engine is a must, and knowledge in several of the languages or tools: C#, Python, C/C++, R, ffmpeg, Blender.
Very good knowledge of English and German in writing and communication. A very good knowledge of German, as a native speaker or at C1/C2 level, is a prerequisite for this position, as it involves research into cognition in language comprehension in complex audiovisual scenarios, as described
Following competences are desirable:
Interest in interdisciplinary topics at the interface between technology and humans.
Very good communication skills, commitment, enthusiasm, ability to work independently, as well as initiative and ability to work in a team.
Knowledge in areas such as pattern recognition, machine learning or modeling of perception and/or cognition is a plus.
Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.
The position is not suitable for part-time employment.
(2) Audiovisual perception, interaction and cognition in real-world and eXtended Reality Environments
Details and application: https://jobundkarriere.tu-ilmenau.de/jobposting/8f42de052c6dc890c34e93e38d2385678c0339360
In your research, you will investigate questions of audiovisual perception and cognition in interaction with eXtended Reality (XR) environments. Here, the focus is on the implementation of digital twins of real-world environments and evaluation of interactions in both the real environments and their virtual reality (VR) versions, considering audiovisual perception and cognitive performance. The aim is to investigate how acoustic and visual details as well as modes of interaction of the environments influence human information processing and cognition. Focus of this research is to record (360° video), design and implement (Unity- or Unreal Engine based environment and animations) digital versions of the real environments and corresponding audiovisual scenes, and carry out user studies to analyse human audiovisual perception and cognition. The investigations are expected to provide indirect information about the quality of the eXtended Reality environments.
Your Profile:
For being part of the selection process is needed:
Completed academic university studies (Master/ Dipl. (Univ.)) in one of the fields of media informatics or media technology, or corresponding engineering or science subjects, such as computer science, neuroinformatics, human-computer interaction
Practical experience in at least three of the following fields: Audio/video/multimedia technology, digital video signal processing and/or audio signal processing, computer graphics or game development, implementation/evaluation of empirical studies.
Very good knowledge in Unity or Unreal Engine is a must, and knowledge in several of the languages or tools: C#, Python, C/C++, R, ffmpeg, Blender.
Very good knowledge of English (at least C1). Additional knowledge of the German language when starting the position will be a plus.
Following competences are desirable:
Interest in interdisciplinary topics at the interface between technology and humans.
Very good communication skills, commitment, enthusiasm, ability to work independently, as well as initiative and ability to work in a team.
Knowledge in areas such as pattern recognition, machine learning or modeling of perception and/or cognition is a plus.
Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.
The position is not suitable for part-time employment.
What we offer
comprehensive lab spaces providing various types of equipment (e.g., projection- and HMD-based interactive audiovisual virtual and augmented environments, high-resolution / HDR video, spatial audio - loudspeaker and headphone-based, lab-spaces corresponding to different reference-specifications, systems for behavioural feedback such as head- and eyetracking and open-source user-feedback tools, tools for HCI research; some more information see here)
attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment
vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December
flexible working time model
VBL - pension scheme in the public sector
From individual advancement with a wide range of continuing education opportunities to a variety of health and recreational offerings, you can expect an appreciative working environment at a renowned university at TU Ilmenau. In addition to an attractive, family friendly working hour’s model, you will also benefit from advantages such as the use of the dining halls of the Studiendenwerk Thüringen, as well as participation in several attractive sport offers from the university owned sport centrum.
How to apply
For your application, please use the online system available via the above links available for each position.
Please do not hesitate to contact me in case of questions.
Alexander Raake
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Raake
Audiovisual Technology Group
Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Center (I3TC, Director)
Technische Universität Ilmenau
alexander.raake@tu-ilmenau.de
https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/en/audio-visual-technology/
https://www.tu-ilmenau.de/i3tc