Postdoctoral Fellowship

Description

Postdoctoral Fellowship: Visual Analytics and Mobile Computing

OCAD University is seeking an enthusiastic, team-focused researcher trained in computer science or engineering, with knowledge of mobile computing and graphics computing with capacity to develop visual analytics (data visualization). The position is a full time, two year appointment. Working closely with OCAD University PI, Dr. Sara Diamond, the postdoctoral fellow will play a coordinating role for OCAD University’s overall engagement with a multi-institutional and international project as well as undertaking research in the project. They will be a member of the Centre for Information Visualization and Data Driven Design at OCAD University.

Project Details: The Design of Mobile Natural Interfaces for Visualization and Management of Large Patient Databases represents a multi-year research partnership between the Federal University of Sao Carlos (UFSCar), The Boeing Company, MITACS, three Canadian universities (OCAD U, UBC, and Dalhousie U), and a special chronic care hospital in Brazil for individuals with neurological and brain disorders. The project focuses on developing tools for health care professionals and administrators responsible for transitioning patients to live in society again. As changes in the therapeutic procedures for patients mean changes in the working procedures for health professionals, we will design tools to enhance interaction among health professionals and support them to create a more connected, tuned and active community, with specific attention to designing for managing and visualizing large quantities of patient and administrative data within the nomadic context of their work and therapeutic tools to use with patients.

Requirements

Responsibilities:
• Work closely with Dr Sara Diamond to design and conduct research in the areas of (i) visual analytic tools, (ii) mobile applications, and (iii) interface and experience design;
• Develop mobile applications to support the hospital employees and visual analytics designs that can be used across multiple platforms
• Provide computational leadership for tools development.
• Administer and coordinate research teams of graduate and undergraduate students for this project.
• Provide team-based coordination with other teams and industrial partners.
• Conduct literature reviews in the above research areas, in addition to relevant theories and methods for user centered and participatory design
• Supervise evaluations of work flow and strategic foresight
• Design usability evaluations with OCAD U researchers and larger team and conduct with hospital employees
• Contribute to (and benefit from) the work of the Centre for Innovation in Information Visualization and Data Driven Design (a joint project of OCAD University, York University and the University of Toronto)
• Publish research results in key academic journals and conference proceedings

Desired Skills / Extras

Qualifications:
• Candidates must possess a PhD computer science, engineering, industrial engineering, with an understanding of HCI
• Knowledge of data visualization and mobile application development
• Programming languages: Java, C++, C#, Objective C. and development experience on mobile devices (phones, iPod Touch) and tablets (iPad, tablet PC) is strongly valuable.
• Experience in working within research teams and leading students in research
• Comfortable working in a highly interdisciplinary and cross-cultural team and in providing overall team coordination
• Solid methodological background in design and human factors research.
• Some exposure to design thinking and broad range of design methods
• Research experience in location based mobile applications and/or data visualization for multiple platforms an asset.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and push forward a program of research
• Ability to travel to Brazil and willingness to spend time in Brazil for short periods during the research project is necessary.
• Communication skills in Portuguese are an asset.

Work Environment
OCAD University
OCAD University is Canada’s largest, specialized University of art, media and design in Canada. OCAD U is located in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s largest centre for design, culture and business. This vibrant nexus brings together a diversity of creative forces, including the Digital Futures Initiative and sLab, the Strategic Foresight and Innovation Lab, both of which offer graduate programs. The university OCAD U offers its students a unique environment that combines studio-based learning with critical inquiry. Students and researchers at OCAD U experience a range of research contexts and methodologies via the university's significant research arm. Members of the OCAD U community – our students, faculty and graduates – are uniquely qualified to act as catalysts for the next advances in culture, technology and quality of life.

The Centre for Innovation in Information Visualization and Data-Driven Design (CIV-DDD)
The $11.5-million, five-year project which brings together a unique multidisciplinary team of over 50 researchers from OCAD University, York University, the University of Toronto, and twenty industry partners and significant international collaborators. Currently in the second year of its mandate, CIV-DDD promises to develop the next generation of data discovery, design and visualization techniques by developing new computational tools, representational strategies and interfaces.

Remuneration
Remuneration is $55,000/year plus benefits.

Application Procedure
Applicants should provide a one page covering letter explaining their interest, an academic C.V. and three references. We will accept applications until a hire occurs. We wish to begin the appointment in September, 2012.

As an employment equity employer, we encourage applications from women, aboriginals, visible minorities, and people with disabilities. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. In accordance with past practice, internal candidates shall receive priority consideration.

This Job is no longer active!