Postdoctoral Research Fellow

We inspire, we excite, we innovate, we create—join Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) as we cultivate the next generation of African technology leaders. The College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University—a world leader in information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, and artificial intelligence—has extended its global reach into Africa. CMU-Africa offers master’s degrees to full-time resident students from countries across Africa at our campus in Kigali, Rwanda, and is preparing future African technology leaders through education and research.

CMU-Africa, (https://www.africa.engineering.cmu.edu/ ) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work on human-centered design of mobile applications to support feeding specialists and parents of children with autism.

This is a 2-year position which involves conducting a systematic review on the types of feeding interventions that have been offered in the African context. A series of online surveys and interviews and online and in-person focus groups with parents, child nutritionists, community health workers, pediatricians, and speech and occupational therapists will then be conducted to formulate various concepts on how effective therapies can be packaged in mobile apps. The postdoctoral researcher will work with MSc students to prototype and evaluate these concepts through laboratory studies and limited field trials. The results will be disseminated through academic publications and online webinars.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in human-computer interactions or computer science and related fields, with demonstrable experience in human-centered design of mobile applications. Experience with qualitative research is a bonus. Success in this role will require collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups who have varying levels of digital literacy and access to digital devices and connectivity. The role will therefore suit those who are comfortable working in team settings and who enjoy exploring multiple perspectives. This role will report to Dr. Edith Luhanga, an assistant research professor at CMU-Africa.

Requirements:

Candidates must hold (or be close to completing) a Ph.D. from a leading research university in Human-Computer Interactions. Candidates with a background in Ubiquitous Computing, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical engineering or a related field with demonstrable experience in human-centered design are also encouraged to apply. Experience with qualitative research and having a strong publication record is a plus. Success in this role will require collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups who have varying levels of digital literacy and access to digital devices and connectivity. The role will therefore suit those who are comfortable working in team settings and who enjoy exploring multiple perspectives.

Position Description: The position is for 24 months and will be based at the CMU-Africa Campus in Kigali, Rwanda. The expected start date is March 1, 2024.

Compensation will be commensurate with relevant experience. CMU-Africa has competitive benefits (including comprehensive medical insurance, travel and relocation allowances) and is an equal opportunity employer.

Carnegie Mellon University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its community on a range of intellectual and cultural dimensions. Applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in engineering and information technology are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome any questions or concerns you may want to discuss about your application.

If you are an experienced researcher with a strong commitment to enhancing research on educational technology across Africa, we encourage you to apply today! Applications should include a cover letter describing qualifications and expected date of graduation (if applicable), a CV, and contact information of 3 references.

For any questions, please contact the Dr Edith Luhanga – [email protected]

Applications are being accepted and reviewed on rolling basis.

Location

Kigali, Rwanda

Job Function

Pre/Post-Doctoral Associates & Fellows

Position Type

Postdoctoral Associate / Fellow (Fixed Term)

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

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