Applications are invited for a full-time University studentship to join the CREATE Lab in the Department of Psychology

Background

This PhD position will be based in the Department of Psychology at The University of Bath, which has a strong research emphasis on human computer interaction and technology enhanced learning and the Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio, a creative technology lab exploring experience design across commercial and cultural projects.

The PhD will run alongside work carried out by REACT, one of four UK Creative Economy Hubs funded by the AHRC to support collaborations between academics and creative companies. The PhD will begin with an in-depth engagement with REACT’s Objects Sandbox scheme (which begins production in March 2014). The student will collaborate with the funded teams to inform and evaluate cutting-edge projects in this fast-moving sphere.

The student will conduct their research under the supervision of Professor Danaë Stanton Fraser (Director of the CREATE Lab) and Clare Reddington (Director of Pervasive Media Studio). The student will split their time between the two locations in Bath and Bristol, with opportunities to engage with other industry partners such as BBC or Microsoft.

The Project

Research areas include, but are not limited to:

• Human computer interaction techniques in the internet of things
• The design and evaluation of connected objects
• Understanding the potential for connected objects in gaming (for example gestural and collaborative input)
• Designing environments and spatial interaction techniques for connected objects
• Ethics, trust and social acceptability in the internet of things

The Successful Candidate should:

1. Fulfil the entrance requirements for a Department of Psychology PhD (http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/programmes/mphi-psyc/)
2. Have a strong background in research methods both quantitative and qualitative
3. Have carried out an independent piece of research
4. Demonstrate an ability and interest in collaborating with non-academic partners and individuals
5. Be interested in the application of technology to psychology problem spaces

The Award

The successful candidate will be supported for three 3 years of full-time study, this will include a £13,726 (2013/14 rate) p.a. stipend, annual Home/EU tuition fees (please note successful international students will need to source alternative funding to pay the shortfall in Fees) and an annual Training Support Grant. Research progress is assessed each year and continuing receipt of funds will depend on satisfactory progress. Terms and conditions can be found on the Graduate School website.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply online for the PhD in Psychology.

You must also apply specifically for this funding, including the need to complete the Funding Proforma in which you must outline your motivation for wanting to undertake research and a brief outline of your initial thoughts on the area of research (maximum 500 words).

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 12.00 noon (GMT), Thursday 21st November. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on campus.

Informal Enquiries 

Should be addressed to Professor Danaë Stanton Fraser, (D.StantonFraser@bath.ac.uk).