[Jobinfo] Fwd: PhD position: The Influence Of Over-Competitiveness On Research
Thu Aug 16 13:15:38 CEST 2012
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: PhD position: The Influence Of Over-Competitiveness On Research
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2012 14:57:31 +1200
From: Christoph Bartneck <hitlabnznews@GMAIL.COM>
Reply-To: Christoph Bartneck <hitlabnznews@GMAIL.COM>
To: IEEEVRLIST@LISTSERV.UNCC.EDU
The University of Canterbury (Christchurch, New Zealand) has the
following vacancy for a PhD student:
**
*The Influence Of Over-Competitiveness On Research*
*Project Description:*
In a world of increasingly scarce resources, researchers compete for
funding, people, infrastructure, promotions and publications. The
acceptance rates of funding proposals often fall below the 10% mark and
conference proclaim a low acceptance rate as an indicator for the
quality of the event. Researchers suffer from constant rejections while
at the same time being measured against high expectations for their
promotions. The review systems in place to judge the proposals or
publications create an enormous overhead. Senior researchers often spend
more time writing funding proposals and reviewing papers than actually
doing research. Young researchers suffer from the lack of funding and
career opportunities.
This project tries to gain insight into the consequences that a highly
competitive research environment has on the conduct of research. More
specifically, we aim to understand what the influence the
competitiveness has on the productivity of researchers and the quality
of their work.
The project will use social simulation to model the research environment
and important factors in it. We will review and extend the
Peer-Group-Assessed-Grant-Based-Funding-System (Fang, 2011 <#_ENREF_1>)
to take all the relevant factors into account. We will then run several
simulations to examine the influence of competitiveness on the research
performed. Next, we will use real world data to verify the model. Last,
we will use the model to explore alternative strategies to structure the
conduct of science in order to find a stable state in which the true
innovative power of science is maximized.
*Your skills:*
You should be familiar with social simulation software packages (VisSim,
Simio, OpenModelica, GameMaker, etc.) and have the ability to model
complex systems. A background in information systems or computer science
would be beneficial. Strong oral and written communication skills will
be given preference.
*The HIT Lab NZ:*
The Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) is
world leading research institutions developing and commercializing
technology that improves human computer interaction. The HIT Lab NZ has
over 50 staff and students and has extensive experience in Human
Computer Interaction and Science & Technology Studies. The HIT Lab NZ is
located at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The University of Canterbury has the top Engineering School in New
Zealand, including a highly ranked Department of Computer Science. For
more information about the HIT Lab NZ see http://www.hitlabnz.org/
Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and offers an
exciting and easy lifestyle for students. It is the most affordable
major city to live in. It easy to get around whether you are biking,
walking, driving or using the excellent public transport system.
Christchurch also offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor
activities, and is close to both surf beaches and ski-fields.
*Appointment and Scholarship Support:*
The appointment is full time for a duration of three years. As a student
at the University of Canterbury, you will be eligible for a scholarship
that will pay for the intuition fees and will provide additional support
for accommodation, living expenses and travel. Scholarships are
available for domestic and interactional students and are subject to a
highly competitive selection procedure. Assistance for finding
accommodation can be given. The research in this project must be
concluded with writing a PhD thesis within the Human Interface
Technology PhD program of the HIT Lab NZ. For more information about the
PhD program in Human Interface Technology, please see
http://www.hitlabnz.org/index.php/education/phd-program
*Requirements:*
International applicants will be required to arrange for their NZ
student visa after an offer of a place. Please check
http://www.immigration.govt.nz for information about what type of visa
might be most suitable and the process of acquiring it. The university
has various types of accommodation available on campus. Please check
http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/ for information about the options and
prices. International students should also consult the International
Student website at http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/international/ to learn
about the cost of living, fees, and insurances.
*Further Information and Application:*
Further information can be obtained by contacting Christoph Bartneck
(christoph.bartneck@canterbury.ac.nz
<mailto:christoph.bartneck@canterbury.ac.nz>) or Kevin Voges
(kevin.voges@canterbury.ac.nz <mailto:kevin.voges@canterbury.ac.nz>).
Information about the HIT Lab NZ is available at:
http://www.hitlabnz.org. Please upload your application as one PDF file
at http://hitlabnz.org/index.php/jobs/job/35/. Your application must
include a letter explaining your specific interest in the project, an
extensive curriculum vitae, your academic records, and a list of two
references. Applications will be accepted until September 17th, 2012 or
until position is filled.
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