PhD Studentship in HCI: Affective-aware virtual coach for pain rehabilitation

UCL Interaction Center, University College London

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on the design and development of an interactive system to monitor and motivate a patient with chronic pain during self-directed physiotherapy sessions. Based at the UCL Interaction Centre (www.uclic.ucl.ac.uk), the student will be part of a multidisciplinary group within the EPSRC-funded project Emo&Pain (http://www.uclic.ucl.ac.uk/people/n.berthouze/EPain/).

Emo&Pain is a large EPSRC-funded research project that brings together researchers from UCL, Imperial College and Leicester University to improve self-management in patients with chronic pain. Chronic pain is one of the big challenges facing healthcare providers in the western world due to the rising number of people with chronic health problems.

Under the supervision of Dr Nadia Berthouze (main PI), and in collaboration with a team of psychologists, clinicians and computer scientists (HCI and machine learning), the student will develop the interface of a virtual pain rehabilitation coaching system supporting patients during self-directed physiotherapy. The student will investigate what physical and psychological support the patient will need during self-directed physiotherapy sessions to improve his/her mood and motivate physical activity. The project will involve a range of qualitative data gathering and analysis approaches including interviews, observations and patient diaries to build up a rich understanding of people’s experiences during such sessions.

Applicants should have a first or upper-second (2:1) class honours degree in Computer Science, a strong background in Human-Computer Interaction (e.g., through a MSc programme) as well as excellent programming skills (Java or C++). Applicants from Psychology but with a strong quantitative background and excellent programming skills are also encouraged to apply. Experience of qualitative research is desirable. Candidates should have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

British and EU nationals who meet the UK residency requirements, as defined by EPSRC (http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PostgraduateTraining/StudentEligibility.htm), will receive a full award covering both tuition fees and a tax-free annual stipend starting at £15,290 per annum. The post is also open to overseas candidates, who will receive the annual stipend, however, only a portion of the total tuition fee, equivalent to the UK fee (£3390 per annum), will be covered.

Instructions on how to apply can be found at http://www.uclic.ucl.ac.uk/opportunities/2010_E-Pain%20studentship%20how%20to%20apply.pdf , whilst information about the Emo&Pain project is available at http://www.uclic.ucl.ac.uk/people/n.berthouze/EPain. Informal queries can be directed to Nadia Berthouze (n.berthouze@ucl.ac.uk).

The studentship runs for 42 months full-time starting end of September 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Closing date for applications is 9 June 2010.
Interviews will be held on or shortly after 18 June 2010.

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