Postdoctoral Researcher (AEGIS)

Organization: 
University of Toronto, Inclusive Design Institute
City: 
Toronto
Province/State: 
Ontario
Country: 
Canada
Category: 
Other
Job type: 
Full-time
Duration: 
Temporary
Description and duties: 

Position Overview
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Postdoctoral Researcher in Desktop Fabrication and Participatory Material Culture. (AEGIS)

The Faculty of Information (iSchool) at the University of Toronto seeks to employ a postdoctoral researcher for a funded project in Inclusive Design as part of Project AEGIS. The goal of the AEGIS research project is to radically improve ICT user experience for people with functional limitations, people lacking digital competence, and marginalized older and younger populations.

The Project AEGIS postdoctoral position to be located in the IDI Mobile and Pervasive Computing Cluster at the University of Toronto will focus on the role of ‘participatory material culture’ in serving these needs. Research questions to be addressed may include: How can rapid prototyping and “3-d printing” technologies and smart sensors be used to empower individuals to personalize, customize, and experience their environments in new ways? What is the status of places and objects in a participatory material culture? What tools and interfaces are necessary to open up the possibilities of new ICT for a variety of populations? What are the economically sustainable infrastructure models necessary for supporting participatory material culture?

Responsibilities
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  • Collaborate with a principal investigator and other researchers within the Mobile and Pervasive Computing Cluster and the larger Inclusive Design Institute, as well as with investigators on related projects at the University of Toronto and other institutions
  • Act as liaison and coordinator for the Participatory Material Culture project
  • Publish and present the resulting research findings in leading academic journals, national and international conferences, as well as in public forums
  • Assume an active role in shaping the research design, including introducing additional, related research questions and objectives into the project as it unfolds, and identifying additional funding opportunities
  • Assist in the daily management and administration of the Mobile and Pervasive Computing Lab


    • Qualifications: 
  • A PhD in a relevant area, in hand by the position start date
  • Research interests may include: science and technology studies, philosophy of technology, media studies, computer science, electrical and computer engineering
  • Prior experience with rapid prototyping, desktop fabrication technologies and open source platforms such as Arduino and RepRap is an asset
  • Proven track-record for successfully engaging in self-directed research
  • Working language is English

    • The successful applicant will be expected to be in residence in Toronto, Canada, for the duration of the postdoctoral appointment and be an active colleague within U of T as well as the IDI project.

    Compensation: 

    The salary for this position is competitive in the Canadian context, and is governed in part by SSHRC practices.

    Additional information : 

    The contract can begin as early as 1 September 2012; it is for a two-year term, with possibility of renewal.

    Application deadline: 
    Apr 30 2012
    How to apply: 

    Applications comprising a brief cover letter, CV, recent writing sample, and the names and contact information for three referees should be sent electronically to idimp [dot] ischoolatutoronto [dot] ca. Please use the subject line “Application: IDI Cluster – AEGIS” when replying to this posting.

    Interviews will be conducted via phone or Skype. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. The application deadline is Monday, April 30, 5PM EST.

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