Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia

POSTDOC in Neuro-cognitive mechanisms in human-robot interaction (ID: 2400000Y)

Italy

Project: Neuro-cognitive mechanisms in human-robot interaction

Commitment & contract: 2 years, temporary

Location: Genoa, Italy, via Enrico Melen 83

 

WHO WE ARE

At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centers around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience. 

 

YOUR TEAM 

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where cognitive and social neuroscientists, experimental psychologists, and roboticists collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research vision.

The “Social Cognition in Human-Robot Interaction” research line is coordinated by Agnieszka Wykowska, who has extensive experience in cognitive neuroscience and human-robot interaction.

The research focuses on understanding human cognition in interaction with others – natural and artificial agents. With the use of neuroscience methods, and humanoid robots, we examine cognitive mechanisms such as attention, cognitive control, social decision making and sense of agency.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

  • Designing experiments which use behavioral measures (performance, and/or eye tracking) and EEG, and which address human cognition in interaction
  • Data collection and data analyses
  • Writing up results for scientific publications

 

WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU SHINE

  • A PhD in cognitive/social neuroscience, experimental psychology or other similar disciplines,
  • Extensive experience with the EEG methodology (ERPs, time-frequency analysis, functional connectivity)
  • Proficiency in statistics and statistical analysis tools (e.g., R, MATLAB, SPSS),
  • Proficiency in programming experiments (e.g., PsychoPy, Psychtoolbox),
  • Strong publication record,
  • Ability to properly report, organize and publish research reports,
  • Excellent spoken and outstanding written English skills, 
  • Experience of working in a lab abroad,
  • Ability to conduct research independently.

 

EXTRA AWESOME

  • Interest in the topic of Sense of Agency
  • Experience with studies in human-robot interaction,
  • Experience in working in interdisciplinary and international teams,
  • Good communication skills,
  • Strong problem-solving attitude,
  • High motivation to learn,
  • Spirit of innovation and creativity,
  • Good in time and priority management,
  • Team-work attitude.

 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Competitive salary package for international standards, 
  • Private health care coverage,
  • Wide range of staff discounts.

 

 WHAT’S IN FOR YOU?

  • Exciting research in a multicultural, international team, working with cutting-edge technologies (humanoid robots) and neuroscientific approach,
  • Opportunity to work with experts in various disciplines,
  • An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms,
  • If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation!
  • If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!
  • We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!

 

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!

 

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, 2 selected publications, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 academics willing to provide reference on the candidate’s behaf.

The call will remain open until the position is filled (we recommend to apply as soon as possible).

 

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.

Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: dpo@iit.it ).

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