Post Doc Researcher

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher for VR/MR-based experiential learning studies at the Digital Worlds Institute. The role focuses on workforce training and education, data collection in immersive environments, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The candidate will advance AI-driven VR/MR applications, publish findings in top venues, and contribute to project reports. A PhD in a related field is required, with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Human–Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, or closely related field.
• Evidence of promoting access, equity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and evaluate VR/MR-based experiential learning studies for workforce training and education.
• Collect, process, and analyze multimodal data (eye-tracking, interaction logs) in VR environments.
• Apply machine learning to develop VR/MR workforce-training applications for assembly/manufacturing tasks.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary faculty across HCI, Educational Technology, and Electrical Engineering.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conferences in HCI and Educational Technology.
• Contribute to technical and progress reports for funding agencies.

Skills

Artificial Intelligence

Research skills

VR/MR experience

Education

Doctoral degree in Computer Science / HCI / Educational Technology

Tools

VR/MR

Teleoperation

Semiconductor manufacturing & assembly

Job description

Post Doc Researcher

Job No:

541204

Work Type:

Full Time

Location:

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories:

Education/Training/Instructional Design, Grant or Research Administration, Artificial Intelligence

Department:

13050000 - DW-DIGITAL WORLD

Job Description

Classification Title: OPS

Job Description:

The Postdoctoral Associate will:

• Design, implement, and evaluate VR/MR-based experiential learning studies, particularly in workforce training and education.
• Collect, process, and analyze multimodal data in VR environments (e.g., eye-tracking data and interaction/event logs) to understand and model the decision-making strategies and heuristics of expert engineers.
• Apply machine learning techniques to develop VR/MR workforce-training applications for assembly and manufacturing tasks informed by models of expert engineering behavior.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary faculty and researchers across Human–Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, and Electrical Engineering to iteratively refine research questions, study designs, and research projects.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at leading conferences and journals in Human–Computer Interaction and Educational Technology.
• Contribute to technical reports, progress reports, and other project deliverables for funding agencies.

Expected Salary

$31.13 - 33.52 /hr ($65,000–$70,000 annually), negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Computer Science, Human–Computer Interaction, Educational Technology, or a closely related field.
• Evidence of success in promoting an environment that advances access, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred

The successful candidate will have:

• Technical expertise in Artificial Intelligence.
• Demonstrated research experience with VR/MR
• Research experience in teleoperation and familiarity with semiconductor manufacturing and assembly are considered a plus.
• Strong quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research skills.
• Record of publications and presentations in relevant fields.
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: December 31, 2026.

Inquiries

Inquiries may be sent to:

Hyo Kang
Assistant Professor

[e-mail]

The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Health Assessment Required:NoAbout COTA and the University of Florida

The College of the Arts is an engine of transformation that generates paradigmatic shifts in the arts and beyond, while nurturing adaptability, innovation, and excellence. We foster an environment where novel creative practice, leading research, and experiential learning thrive. Our students, faculty, and staffinterrogate and respond to the ever-changing relationship between technology and the human spirit.Wepreparefuture leaders in artistic professions and creative industries, while developing student capacity for interdisciplinaryscholarshipthatservesandengageslocal and global communities.The College offers baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Approximately 1,600 students are pursuing majors in degrees offered by the College of the Arts under the direction of 150 faculty members in its three accredited schools— the School of Art + Art History, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre + Dance, and in the Center for Arts in Medicine, the Digital Worlds Institute, and the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship. In addition, the college comprises the University Galleries, and the University level of the New World School of the Arts in Miami.

The University of Florida: The University of Florida is a comprehensive learning institution built on a land grant foundation. We are The Gator Nation, a community dedicated to excellence in education and research and shaping a better future for Florida, the nation and the world. Our mission is to enable our students to lead and influence the next generation and beyond for economic, cultural and societal benefit. UF is a graduate research institution with more than 50,000 students and membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. Gainesville, which is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most livable cities, is located midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Together, the University and the community comprise the educational, medical and cultural center of North Central Florida.

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.