Postdoctoral Researcher - Computer Science - XR, AI and HCI

Department Information

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conducts research at the intersection of Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), emphasizing intelligent, accessible, safe, trustworthy, reproducible, and generalizable immersive technologies

2. Designs, develops, and evaluates XR systems and AI/ML methods for accessibility and rehabilitation, balance and fall-risk assessment and mitigation, adaptive multimodal feedback, cognitive and behavioral modeling, privacy and security, and XR generalizability and reproducibility

3. Develops data-driven methods using multimodal data from XR and related sensing technologies, including head/controller motion, eye tracking, body movement, balance, gait, and other behavioral or physiological measures, as appropriate

4. Designs experimental XR applications, research prototypes, software tools, datasets, and infrastructure supporting systematic experimentation, replication, and evaluation across XR hardware, software platforms, users, and environments

5. Contributes to human-subject research involving immersive technologies, including protocol development, data collection, analysis, and dissemination, in accordance with applicable IRB and research-compliance requirements

6. Provides advanced technical and research mentorship to Ph.D., M.S., and undergraduate researchers in the eXtended Reality and Intelligence (XRei) Laboratory and help coordinate related XR/AI projects and milestones

7. Coordinates scientific and technical activities with multi-institutional academic, clinical, and industry collaborators; support joint studies, shared research infrastructure, manuscripts, and collaborative research initiatives

8. Develops reusable and reproducible research artifacts, including software, datasets, experimental protocols, documentation, and analysis pipelines, to facilitate replication, generalization, and broader adoption of XR research

9. Generates preliminary results and technical materials for competitive external proposals and help develop new multi-investigator and multi-institutional research directions in XR, AI, accessibility, healthcare/rehabilitation, and human-centered computing

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES*:

• Advanced knowledge in one or more areas relevant to the position, including XR (VR/AR/MR), AI/machine learning, HCI, computer vision, multimodal sensing, data analytics, or software engineering
• Knowledge of AI/ML methods and experience developing computational models from behavioral, sensor, motion, visual, or other multimodal data ¿ Able to design, implement, and evaluate XR applications or interactive systems using relevant development platforms and programming environments
• Able to conduct rigorous experimental research, including study design, statistical analysis, validation, and interpretation of quantitative and/or qualitative results ¿ Able to develop reproducible research software, data-processing pipelines, experimental tools, and technical documentation
• Able to mentor student researchers and coordinate research activities involving multiple projects, investigators, and external collaborators
• Able to collaborate effectively across computing, engineering, healthcare/rehabilitation, accessibility, and other human-centered research domains

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications)

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following: XR/VR/AR/MR, AI/ML, HCI, computer vision, human-centered AI, accessibility, healthcare technologies, multimodal sensing, or software engineering
• Evidence of research productivity through peer-reviewed publications in relevant conferences or journals
• Experience developing XR applications using Unity, Unreal Engine, OpenXR, or comparable immersive-technology frameworks
• Experience with machine-learning and/or deep-learning frameworks and scientific computing or data-analysis environments
• Experience conducting human-subject studies involving interactive or immersive technologies is preferred
• Experience with research software development, open-source software, reproducibility, cross- platform systems, or collaborative grant/proposal development is preferred

Job Summary

Postdoctoral Researchers support teams of KSU faculty and students (undergraduate and graduate students), which engage with external collaborators from other universities, community members, government agencies, and/or private sector entities to stimulate innovation, capacity-building, and sustainability of research and scholarly activity at KSU.

This position is considered limited-term staff since it utilizes contingent funding which is currently only secured through June 30, 2028, or 18 months from the position start date, whichever occurs first. Employment thereafter will be conditional based on continued availability of funding.

Responsibilities

1. -

Plans and executes experimental activities, data analyses, submission of reports or of manuscripts to peer-reviewed publications, and/or attendance and presentation of research findings at appropriate venues of dissemination

2. -

Develops and contributes to new ideas for research proposals and directions within the research group

3. -

Develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with faculty mentor

4. -

Generates revenue by securing grants and participates in departmental and institutional career development programs, such as grant writing workshops

5. -

Prepares project budget and ensures funded project operates within budget guidelines

6. -

Maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with institutional policies, and federal, state and local regulations

7. -

Establishes working relationships and cooperative arrangements with internal and external partners

8. -

Engages in research and publication

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Ph.D. from an accredited institution of higher education or obtainment of doctorate degree within six (6) months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience in working with Extended Reality (XR), HUman-Computer Interaction (HCI), and AI.

Proposed Salary

The budgeted salary range is $51,600 to $60,000. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously to meet assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Demonstrated ability to carry out independent and collaborative research on a team of faculty and students with the ability to meet deliverables and milestones

Demonstrated creative and proactive approach towards problem solving

Knowledge of and experience in general analytical methods development and good analytical practices

Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field

SKILLS

Outstanding proposal and paper writing skills

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e. Microsoft Office suite)

Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette

Refer to the department specific Research Addendum for additional KSA information

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

For additional information or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu, or by making a report at the following website: https://diversity-kennesaw-advocategme.symplicity.com/public_report/index.php/pid734945?.

Other Information

This is not a supervisory position.

This position does not have any financial responsibilities.

This position will not be required to drive.

This role is not considered a position of trust.

This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).

This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time

This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced + Education