2 PhD Fellowships in Psychology - Artifical Emotions - Jacobs University Bremen

eCUTE will develop innovative technologically-enhanced learning approaches in cultural awareness and understanding, based on virtual world simulations with intelligent interactive graphical characters embodying models of culturally-specific behaviour and interaction in scenarios developed via a user-centred design process. It will target two contrasting learner types: late primary-age children (9-11) and young adults (18-25). It has 7 partners - Heriot-Watt, Sunderland University, INESC-ID Lisbon, Augsburg University, Jacobs University Bremen, Seikei University and Kyoto University.

Applicants should have a diploma or master’s degree in psychology or connected disciplines if their BA is in psychology. Candidates should have tangible interests in two or more of the following domains; intercultural differences, nonverbal behaviour, developmental psychology, psychophysiology, artificial emotions, virtual reality.

The successful candidates will be expected to work in close collaboration with the team at Jacobs University, helping with the development of realistic scenarios and behaviors involving cultural differences in interaction behaviour. In this context they will also test the impact of the eCUTE training with regard to increases in sensitivity and empathic responses using self-report, expressive behaviour, and physiological responses in the laboratory. Applicants are expected to write their PhD thesis within 3 years and should contribute at all levels with the ongoing research, including some minor administrative duties linked to the project.

Excellent skills in written and spoken English are required. Candidates should also be committed to the dissemination of their research in international journals and conferences. Current knowledge of German is not a pre-requisite. Experience with large scale research projects (e.g., as student assistants) is an advantage.

Applications will be considered from August 1, 2010, until both positions are filled. They should include: a) transcripts of previous studies; b) detailed CV; c) formal letter outlining the candidate's motivation and research interests; and d) two letters of recommendation (recommendation letters can be sent directly).

Please send your documents as hard copy to

Prof. Arvid Kappas, PhD

Jacobs University Bremen

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Campus Ring 1

D-28759 Bremen, Germany

In addition, all materials should be sent electronically to a.kappas@jacobs-university.de. Further questions can be addressed to Prof. Kappas