Big Data Visualization and the Autistic Mind
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science
As part of a collaboration between Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences, we are looking for ways to transform scientific visualization through advances in artificial intelligence and cognitive science. Our goal is to incorporate new computational models of how users visualize and explore data into the next generation of "smart" visualization tools. In the process, we seek to answer fundamental questions about human visual cognition and scientific discovery in the big data era.
We are seeking applicants for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship to join our unique interdisciplinary team. The postdoctoral fellow will work primarily with Prof. Maithilee Kunda (EECS) and Prof. Keivan Stassun (Physics & Astronomy) and will gain in-depth exposure to cutting edge research in astronomy, computer science, and cognitive science. In addition, the postdoctoral fellow will devote approximately 25% effort towards participating in mentoring activities with graduate students as part of the the Tennessee-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TLSAMP) Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) program at Vanderbilt University. The TLSAMP BD program admits students with undergraduate STEM degrees who may require additional coursework or training before beginning PhD-level work, and provides the research experience, mentoring, and professional skills needed to enter a PhD program. Through these mentoring activities with students in the TLSAMP BD program, the postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to become part of the company of a vibrant cohort of scholars who will benefit from, and enhance, the fellow's own scholarly growth and contributions to research and to diversity in science and engineering. Both Vanderbilt University and our team are committed to providing a highly supportive environment for early-career investigators to expand and develop their research and other professional activities, and fellows will have the opportunity to regularly interact with many different faculty members and research communities at Vanderbilt across both the School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences. The fellowship may be renewed for a third year, contingent on performance and availability of funding.
Qualifications: The ideal applicant should have a PhD and publication record in computer science, cognitive science, or a related discipline, as well as strong programming and communication skills. The applicant should also have both desire and experience in mentoring. Applicants interested in working on problems related to astronomy and/or scientific visualization are encouraged to apply, but prior experience is not required.
To apply: Applicants should send a cover letter of interest (including short description of mentoring or tutoring experience), curriculum vitae, selected paper(s), and contact information for three references, to be sent to: keivan.stassun@vanderbilt.edu .
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Vanderbilt University is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
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