Postdoctoral Position (3Y): Gamified AR for Remote Sensing in Nature (GamiLIDAR)

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join us at Gamification Group (Gamification Group | GL! HF! GG…), Tampere University, particularly within the research domains related to the GamiLiDAR project and the UNITE Flagship (see What is gameful forest interaction?).

The research in question is focused on gamified augmented reality applications, location-based games and other gameful solutions for capturing data from nature. The need for such data exists e.g. in domains such as forestry. For capturing the data, approaches such as remote sensing (e.g. light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology in consumer devices) are used. While capturing such data usually requires manual work, our approaches rely on using gamified applications and crowdsourcing, enabling the collection of data while users engage in playful interactions at nature locations.

GamiLIDAR was born out of the UNITE Flagship and focuses on proof-of-concept applications that enable data collection while experiencing gameful interaction, enhancing the capacity to collect forest data while making the experience engaging. Specifically, we 1) create applications to collect point cloud and other spatial data to derive forest characteristics, and 2) gather behavioural data to gain insight into how user actions relate to the collected forest characteristics and to the applied game mechanics.

See https://youtu.be/8TDBe1YwUTY?si=mRUztTi3vQnZ9aTo for our current prototype applications. The applications have been developed for LiDAR enabled iOS devices.

JOB DESCRIPTION

In this position, the tasks of the candidate will focus on using gamification in the nature domain to capture the environment through forest-themed, forest-situated gameful applications, crowdsourcing and location based games. The data is collected using methods such as close-range remote sensing approaches and one main mechanism for data collection is the use of augmented reality applications and games to guide users in data collection.

The candidate is expected to participate in the design and development of the applications, but also in the planning, design and execution of experiments and user studies related to the applications. Additionally, the study of different uses and visualisation opportunities of the resulting data will also be expected, as well as the study of possible business approaches. The candidate will also participate in the planning and execution of future research related to the area.

REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate for this position should have a background in information technology (e.g., human-computer interaction, game design, computer science). Additional experience in social sciences (e.g., applied psychology), forestry sciences or similar fields is considered a plus. Moreover, the candidate should strive for proficiency and scientific rigour in interdisciplinary and multi-method contexts.

Additionally, due to the aims and approaches of the project, researchers accepted into the position would be expected to build and make use of existing networks with key forestry stakeholders, such as forest managers, and engage with them in all stages of research.

Qualifications:

A suitable doctoral degree
Ability to conduct independent scientific research

Applicants are required to possess the following expertise and abilities:

Experience in designing, conducting and reporting research experiments and user studies with human participants.
Ability to conduct research outdoors.
Knowledge on digital games and augmented reality applications.
Experience in software development.

Advantageous qualities:

Experience in designing and developing games and augmented reality applications.
Interest or experience in researching and developing augmented reality applications for use outdoors.
Interest or experience in crowdsourcing solutions.
Flexibility in terms of methods and research objects.
Drive for impeccable academic article writing and preparation.
Drive for rigorous and impactful research.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The accepted candidates will work in the close collaboration of other researchers of the UNITE flagship, the members of Research Center of Gameful Realities as well as in the context of the larger strategic profiling area of the Tampere University in Gamification, Extended Reality and their application towards holistic sustainability.

Flagship consortium: UNITE | Forest-Human-Machine Interplay is a prestigious research Flagship consortium composed from Tampere University, University of Eastern Finland, Finnish Geospatial Research Institute FGI and Natural Resources Institute Finland. The position offers unique vantage points and entry to an ambitious consortium that represents top international scholarship in the areas of gameful technologies and holistic sustainability. UNITE brings together the world’s leading research groups in the fields of forest sciences, geoinformation and sensor development, and gamification.

The Research Centre of Gameful Realities (RCGR) is a trans-disciplinary research centre which brings together the Faculty of information Technology and Communication Science, Faculty of Business Administration and Management and Faculty of Education at Tampere University. It is internationally revered for seminal academic and societal contributions in the areas of novel technologies such as motivational information systems (e.g. gamification, game-based learning, quantified-self, persuasive technologies), internet commerce (e.g. crowdsourcing, crowdfunding, sharing economies, game economies), new media (e.g. esports, streaming, immersive journalism) as well as human-computer interaction (VR / AR, wearables, transhumanism, user interfaces, more-than-human interaction). RCGR is one of the most prolific research centres internationally in its pursuit to wield gameful approaches towards the flourishing of the planet, people and prosperity.

See more: https://bit.ly/rcgrvideo

LIFE IN TAMPERE

Tampere is one of the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries and offers a dynamic living environment. Tampere region is one of the three most rapidly growing urban areas in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. The city campus of the Tampere University, where the candidates will be located, is walking distance to the city center. Tampere is an epicenter of game research internationally. For more information on Tampere and Finland, please visit:

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

See more: https://bit.ly/rcgrvideo

HOW TO APPLY

Please see the details for application in this link. The closing date for applications is December 2, 2024 (at 23.59 EET / 20.59 UTC). Please write your application and all accompanying documentation in English and attach them in PDF format only.

List the attachments that candidates should append to their applications:

CV
List of publications
One or two samples of academic writing (e.g. articles)
A motivation letter (max 2 pages) that briefly outlines:
- In Page 1: Motivation to apply, earliest starting date, and any other miscellaneous remarks that the candidate wishes to make. Please clearly specify which of the positions listed above you are applying for.
- In Page 2: Also a tentative short research plan or research idea you would like to undertake in the position (this plan primary functions as a departure point for discussion and will be agreed upon together with the selected candidate)
Optional: A design portfolio highlighting the candidate’s creative and/or artistic work.

CONTACT:

Timo Nummenmaa, PhD, timo.nummanmaa@tuni.fi

Prof. Juho Hamari | juho.hamari@tuni.fi