PhD position in computer science ? Swiss Center for Affective Sciences

We are looking for a candidate with a solid background in signal processing for a fully funded PhD position at the Swiss Center for Affective Sciences and Computer Vision and Multimedia Laboratory (CVML), University of Geneva. The research, to be undertaken by the student, focuses on analyzing the interactions between facial expressions and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals with the aim of reducing unwanted interference and recognizing emotions. Research will involve recording and analyzing EEG signals and facial expressions using Bayesian estimation methods.
The position offers the opportunity to work in a diverse environment consisting of members of the Swiss Center for Affective Sciences and the CVML Laboratory spanning varied topics, such as affective computing, stochastic signal processing, neuropsychology , and machine learning. The PhD student is encouraged to publish in high profile venues, and to develop herself/himself as a researcher with other professional activities (doctoral or summer schools, working with bachelor and master level students).
The doctoral student will be supervised by Dr. Mohammad Soleymani (Swiss Center for Affective Sciences) and Prof. Thierry Pun (CVML Laboratory) and will have access to the resources provided by both the CVML Lab. and the Swiss Center for Affective Sciences.
This project is funded by the Swiss Hasler foundation and upon satisfactory progress its funding is secured for 3 years with the possibility for extension for the fourth year.
Required qualifications
An MSc in a field related to one or more of the following: electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics. (we also consider applicants who are about completing their MSc).
Strong knowledge of signal processing and statistics.
Strong programming skills in Matlab or Python
Interest in performing experiments with humans including recording multimodal sensorial data from volunteer participants.
Ability to communicate and report research results in English.
Desired qualification
Knowledge and experience with Bayesian estimation methods such as Kalman filtering or particle filters.
Experience with open source Brain Computer Interface technologies including openVIBE
Experience with data collection and experimental design
Proficient in C++
Strong knowledge of stochastic signal processing
Experience publishing and presenting research results
Ability to communicate in French.
Information and application
The PhD student will be enrolled as a doctoral student at the computer science department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva.
Starting date: as soon as possible (preferably by January 2016)
For more information about this position, please contact Mohammad Soleymani e-mail: mohammad.soleymani-AT-unige.ch. To apply, please send your application package containing the following material to before September 15th 2015.
Application package should include the following documents in electronic format:
1. A short motivation letter explaining your research background and why you are a suitable candidate for this project (max 1 page).
2. A detailed CV
3. The transcripts for bachelor and master degrees.
4. The contact information for three references; please do not include the reference letters with your applications. We will only ask for the reference letters from the short-listed candidates.
The CV and motivation letter should be written in English; The transcripts can be submitted in English, French or Persian. The shortlisted candidates will be notified by October 15th.
The student will have access to excellent equipment and world-class training in computer and affective sciences. The gross salary before tax and social charges starts around CHF52’000.
About Swiss Center for Affective Sciences
The Swiss Center for Affective Sciences is a world-leading research center dedicated to the research on emotions. This interdisciplinary center hosts researchers from different departments including, neuroscience, psychology, philosophy and computer science. It is located at the Biotech Campus (http://www.campusbiotech.ch/en/) hosting different research groups from the University of Geneva and EPFL in addition to a startup incubator, NGOs and other foundations.
University of Geneva
The University of Geneva (http://www.unige.ch/) is a public research university of the Canton of Geneva. Founded in 1559 by Jean Calvin, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is dedicated to thinking, teaching, dialogue and research. With 16’000 students of more than 140 different nationalities, it is Switzerland’s second largest university. It is also consistently within the best universities worldwide according to academic rankings.
About Geneva
Geneva is known as the “smallest of big cities” and the “city of peace”. Located at the foot of the Alps, Geneva provides an excellent quality of life and hosts a diverse and international population. Among other things, Geneva is home to CERN and the European headquarters of United Nations. For more information, take a look at the following link: http://www.ville-geneve.ch/welcome-geneva/.
The greater Geneva area is a world-renowned education and research hub, home to the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the IDIAP research institute. It offers considerable opportunities for training and exposure to academic activities.