[Now closed.] Postdoctoral Position on Inclusive Social Play for Children with and without Autism

[Note: this position is now closed]

How can multisensory and tangible technology help support inclusive social play between autistic and non-autistic children in formal and informal education settings?

What are the impacts of cultural differences on these sorts of technological provisions?

These are the main research questions that drive an 18-month collaborative project between the University of Bristol in the UK, and Hamed Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, together with partners from user groups representative across the two countries. As part of this project, we are advertising a Postdoctoral Researcher position to explore the design and evaluation of inclusive multisensory social play technologies, with a focus on exploring questions around the design and evaluation of technologies that are inclusive of children with mixed-abilities.

Where you will work

You will be part of the Bristol Interaction Group (BIG) and work with an interdisciplinary team across Computer Science and the School of Education in the UK and Qatar

BIG is a world leader in Human-Computer Interaction. We have a long and rich tradition at the forefront of building novel interactive devices, deploying new forms of interactions and evaluation in everyday settings. As well as HCI, the Department is home to world-leading expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science, to EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training in Interactive AI and Digital Health and Care, and further benefits from a close association with neighbouring research groups in Vision and Robotics. 

What you will be doing

You will contribute to the development of a framework for inclusive social play in education and then design, develop and evaluate multisensory tangible technologies that explore a wider range of sensory modalities to support collaborative social play between autistic and non-autistic children. The research will emphasise co-design methodologies, involving children, caregivers, educators and other professionals to support the design, prototype development, and evaluation processes. The candidate will lead this process in Bristol: working with participants to co-design, develop and evaluate a tangible multisensory interface using state-of-the-art technologies, such as sensors, distributed digital objects, and geocaching.

You should apply if…

You must hold a PhD degree in either Computer Science, Education, Design, or Social Sciences. The ideal candidate will have experience of and appreciation for co-design methodologies, disability, and experience in working with children and technical prototyping and tinkering will be advantageous. Applicants without a PhD qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class postgraduate degree and appropriate and relevant alternative experience.

How to apply?

Please contact Oussama Metatla (o.metatla@bristol.ac.uk) and Alison Oldfied (alison.oldfield@bristol.ac.uk) initial, send your CV and a cover letter. If you are shortlisted, we will then invite you for a formal interview