Postdoc Enhancing Human-Robot Interactions using BCI

22 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Research Field

Technology

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

When it comes to brain activity (electroencephalohgraphy - EEG) based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), the high individual variability in EEG activity patterns, caused by (bio)neurological factors, often leads to the failure of classification algorithms. Research indicates that around 30% of individuals are entirely incapable of operating a BCI, a phenomenon termed as ‘BCI illiteracy’. Consequently, while advancements in portable and user-friendly EEG headsets may make BCIs available for everyday use, and even for enhancing industrial performance in the near future, the current classification algorithms still require considerable enhancements to enable BCI use for everyone.

A key aspect often overlooked in this pursuit is the use of attentional mechanisms, such as signals that can be recorded using eye-tracking. Real-time attentional measurements could provide valuable data streams to inform the development and operation of BCIs. However, current systems do not capitalize on this wealth of information, which could be a potential game-changer for the technology. Moreover, there appears to be an excessive focus solely on algorithms rather than considering algorithms in their actual context: It is therefore crucial to obtain a further understanding of how BCIs can be used in real-world scenarios.

As a postdoc on this project you will obtain a detailed image of the brain processing and unravel features determining individual differences in BCI task performance. By employing a combination of structural MRI, EEG, and eye-tracking we want to trace the differences in elicited EEG signals between subjects, when exposed to identical stimuli, back to their respective bio-neurological basis through a technique called source localisation. The results should enable you to explain individual differences in BCI performance based on existing classification algorithms and pave the way for the development of improved classification techniques.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• A PhD degree in biomedical engineering, robotics neuroscience or related field.
• A PhD in which you used advanced signal processing methods to study human behaviour.
• A curiosity-driven, independent researcher who is excellent in complex problem-solving and possesses critical thinking skills
• Excellent programming skills: the ability to write clean, well-documented code using e.g., in Matlab or Python.
• An excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Good social and communication skills.
• Preferably experience with human experiments.

Additional Information
Benefits

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 4.036 - € 5.090 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

This postdoc position has a fixed-term contract of 12 months.

Selection process

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

Additional comments

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by April 15, 2024 via the application button and upload:

• your motivation letter along with a detailed curriculum vitae,
• a list of publications,
• names and contact information of two to three references,
• all other information that might be relevant to your application.

If a suitable candidate has been found, the vacancy will be closed prematurely.

If you like more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. Yke Bauke Eisma ([email protected] ) or Dr. Mark van de Ruit ([email protected] )

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339373/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Delft University of Technology

Country

Netherlands

City

Delft

Postal Code

2628 CD

Street

Mekelweg 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339373/postdoc-enhancing-human-robot-intera…

Contact

City

Delft

Website

http://www.tudelft.nl/

Street

Mekelweg 2

Postal Code

2628 CD

STATUS: EXPIRED