[Dutch-chapter] Vacancy: junior researcher on narrative simulations for Alzheimer caregivers @UT

[m.theune at utwente.nl]

The research group Human Media Interaction of the University of Twente is looking for a junior researcher to work on the POSTHCARD project, which aims at developing and testing a simulation platform to support caregivers of Alzheimer patients.

Alzheimer is a disease that impacts not only the life of the patients themselves, but also that of their carers. Many Alzheimer patients are supported at home by their relatives or home caregiver. The behaviour changes of the patient, caused by the disease, can transform simple daily activities into overwhelming challenges. One source of tension is the non-professional caregivers' lack of knowledge and training about the proper behaviour to adopt when interacting with the patient.

In the POSTHCARD project, a platform is developed to support caregivers in their homecare of persons with Alzheimer. The core of the platform is a simulation / serious game helping the caregivers to develop efficient care strategies and reduce the burden associated to this type of homecare. The simulation will take the form of an interactive narrative, an innovative and emerging medium that derives from computer games and that both immerses the learner in an engaging narrative and enables him/her to feel like an actor in the simulated situations. The caregivers will be able to reproduce difficult situations in the simulation and explore different caring strategies. 

French, English and Dutch versions of the POSTHCARD platform will be developed and pilot tested with caregivers of Alzheimer patients in Switzerland, Belgium and the Netherlands. The basis of the simulation will be formed by an existing simulation platform (using Unity3D) and a narrative engine provided by the University of Geneva.

As a junior researcher you will be working on the development of the Dutch version of the POSTHCARD platform, in particular on the narrative simulation part. The focus will be on the generation of the character dialogues, which may involve the development and integration of a multilingual language generation engine. Depending on your experience and interests, the work can also include, among others things, the design and behaviour generation of the virtual characters. Active involvement in the Dutch pilot tests and their follow-up is expected. As part of your work, you will be attending international project meetings and closely collaborate with international colleagues, as well as with the Dutch healthcare organisations and companies involved in the project.

YOUR PROFILE

You have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Human Media Interaction, Computer Science, Game Technology, or another related area. You are an independent worker with strong programming skills, an interest in research and development, excellent professional communication and team working skills, and a good command of both Dutch and English. Preferably, you have experience with developing natural language applications, virtual characters and/or game development in Unity. Experience with doing user research and affinity with the target group are a plus. 

OUR OFFER

We offer a full-time (38 hours a week) contract for a period of 18 months. Working part-time is possible if you prefer doing so; in that case the period will be extended accordingly. The gross monthly salary will start from € 2.588,- and will depend on your experience and qualifications. You will receive a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. 

The University of Twente offers excellent working conditions in a stimulating scientific environment, including professional and personal development programs.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

For more information on the position, please contact dr. Mariët Theune (m.theune at utwente.nl). The full project proposal is available upon request.

To apply, upload the following information via the application link below:
-	Motivation letter,
-	Curriculum Vitae,
-	Copy of the university grade list,
-	Contact information of two academic references. 

Applications should be sent before the application deadline of June 15, 2018. Interviews are expected to be held at the end of June. Starting date of the position is negotiable, but preferably as soon as possible.

APPLICATION FORM

The application form can be reached via the “Apply Now” link at the bottom of this page:

https://www.utwente.nl/en/organization/careers/vacancy/!/junior-researcher-narrative-simulation-for-supporting-caregivers-of-alzheimer-patients/624544