Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Description

Postdoctoral Researcher - VR in Education (HCI & Learning Sciences) Project: Gyan Dhara – Revolutionizing Education Through Immersive VR Overview: Gyan Dhara is a pioneering educational initiative dedicated to transforming India's educational landscape for students in Grades 8-12 through transformative, engaging, and memorable Virtual Reality (VR) content. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Assam, our vision is to empower students through experiential learning, bridge educational gaps, drive innovation, and foster community and collaboration within a resilient and scalable VR metaverse. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team. This role is crucial for advancing our understanding of how immersive VR technologies impact learning outcomes, knowledge retention, and collaborative dynamics in an educational context, particularly for Indian students. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research that not only informs Gyan Dhara's development but also generates new knowledge for the broader Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and VR research communities. Key Responsibilities: Research Question Identification: Proactively identify and formulate novel, high-impact research questions specifically focused on: Knowledge retention and learning challenges in VR-based education. The efficacy and dynamics of collaborative VR spaces and experiences. The transfer of learning from virtual to real-world contexts. The impact of non-traditional VR physics and environments on cognition. Research Design & Experimentation: Design and execute rigorous research studies, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and qualitative designs, to investigate the impact of Gyan Dhara's VR modules on student learning, behavior, and engagement. Data Collection & Analysis: Implement robust data collection protocols (e.g., physiological data, behavioral logs from VR interactions, survey responses, interview transcripts). Conduct advanced statistical analysis (e.g., ANOVA, regression, mixed models) and qualitative thematic analysis of research data. Scientific Dissemination: Prepare high-quality manuscripts for submission to top-tier, peer-reviewed journals (e.g., in HCI, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, VR) and present findings at international academic conferences. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with UX designers, visual designers, metaverse architects, content developers, and educators within the Gyan Dhara team to integrate research insights into product development and refine pedagogical strategies. Literature Review & Synthesis: Continuously review and synthesize relevant academic literature to ensure Gyan Dhara's research is grounded in current theory and contributes meaningfully to the field. Minimum Requirements: Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Ergonomics, Educational Psychology, Learning Sciences, or a closely related field. Strong understanding of HCI principles and user-centered design methodologies. Demonstrated expertise in statistical evaluation methods (e.g., inferential statistics, multivariate analysis, experimental design statistics) for robust quantitative data analysis. Proven ability in research and experiment design, including developing comprehensive research protocols, ethical considerations, and valid data collection instruments. A strong track record of writing and publishing research papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at academic conferences. Desired Qualities and Skills: Specialized Domain Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise or strong interest in Virtual Reality (VR) technologies, immersive environments, and their application in education. Analytical & Critical Thinking: Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills to identify complex research problems, formulate testable hypotheses, and derive actionable insights from diverse datasets. Innovation & Creativity: Ability to conceptualize novel research questions and methodological approaches, especially within the context of groundbreaking VR learning experiences that defy traditional constraints. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with VR hardware (e.g., Stand-Alone VR headsets like Oculus Quest) and experience with data logging, scripting, or development platforms (e.g., Unity/Unreal Engine) for research purposes is a significant advantage. Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills to articulate complex research findings clearly and concisely to both academic (peer-reviewed publications) and non-academic (stakeholder reports, public presentations) audiences. Adaptability: Eagerness to learn new methodologies, embrace emerging technologies, and adapt research plans based on project needs and evolving insights. Ethical Conduct: A strong commitment to research ethics, data privacy, and responsible conduct of research. Passion for Education: A genuine passion for transforming education and making a tangible, evidence-based impact on students' learning experiences in India. What Gyan Dhara Offers: An unparalleled opportunity to be at the forefront of educational innovation, contributing to a project with significant national and potentially global impact. A collaborative and supportive interdisciplinary team environment. Access to cutting-edge VR technology and real-world educational contexts for research. Opportunities for high-impact research publications in leading journals and presentations at prestigious international conferences. A chance to shape the future of learning and generate new foundational knowledge in HCI and VR. To Apply: Please submit your CV, a detailed cover letter outlining your specific research interests and how they align with Gyan Dhara's vision, and a portfolio of your key research publications/presentations to Dr. Keyur Sorathia at keyur@iitg.ac.in. Show more Show less