Postdoctoral Research Associate in "Next Generation Gaming Environments" - Grade 7 (0.4 FTE)

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics is offering an exciting opportunity to work with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd (UK) to develop next generation gaming environments. Interacting with the virtual objects in most conventional VR applications including games is often difficult and unrealistic. Haptic interfaces increase the user's immersion in a virtual environment by allowing them not only to see but also to touch the environment around them. In order to produce useful performance, haptic applications require specific performance guarantees. The user experience in cloud-based gaming systems is currently limited by the ability of the server(s) and the end systems and devices to replicate real-world effects. The user experience is also ultimately limited by the interconnecting networks. Unwanted artifacts can be introduced that influence multiple sense (e.g. vision, hearing and touch) that degrade the sense of immersion in the game. The primary focus of this research theme is to help Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe LTD to understand the impact of delay and impairments found in many cloud-based gaming environments. The work will also investigate how to measure different types of delay and other impairments such as information loss due to outages, and also mitigating strategies for these.

The position involves developing a VR simulation, modifying experimental conditions, conducting human trials, and analysing user responses. You will be using a game engine (Unity or Unreal Engine) connected to physical interfaces to collect objective and subjective performance data as well as physiological responses. You will be working with an interdisciplinary team. We welcome applications from people with a broad background in Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Computer Science, and/or Psychology.

The research will be undertaken under the supervision of Professor Alan Marshall who leads the `Advanced Networks Research Group¿ in the School of EEECS and will also involve working with colleagues in Psychology and Computer Science. The post will suit an individual looking to gain valuable experience in conducting high quality research. The successful candidate will join the Immersive Laboratory in the `Digital Innovation Facility¿ at the University of Liverpool. 

You will possess, or be close to completing, a PhD in Electrical Engineering / Electronics / Computer Science or a relevant Psychology subject.

This post is part-time and fixed term until 31 January 2028.

The School of Electrical Engineering Electronics and Computer Science is an Athena Swan Bronze award holder and is committed to encouraging, developing and supporting individuals in their research and academic careers.  A dynamic, diverse and inclusive working environment must be an integral part of our society, giving everyone the opportunity to participate and to benefit. Thus, we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

As part of our commitments to increase diversity and inclusivity within our school, we particularly welcome applications from women, people who identify as an ethnic minority, people with disabilities and people from LGBTQ+ communities, as they are currently under-represented in the School of Electrical Engineering Electronics and Computer Science.

For further details please visit the school website. 

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the skilled worker route, you will therefore have to demonstrate your own right to work in the UK.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.