Research Scientist, Eye Tracking Perception, Cognitive Science & HCI
Redmond, WA

Job Description

Research Scientist, Eye Tracking Perception, Cognitive Science & HCIFacebook Reality Labs | Redmond, WA

At Facebook Reality Labs, our goal is to explore, innovate and design novel interfaces and hardware subsystems for the next generation of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences. We are looking for a skilled and motivated researcher to join our team, whose mission is to create and apply scientific knowledge about the cognitive system to improve human experiences in the augmented world. We are specifically looking for a skilled and motivated Research Scientist with expertise in eye tracking, perception, cognitive science and/or human computer-interaction. Candidates will be expected to advance algorithms for tracking the 3D fixation and pupillometric measures and to design studies to evaluate how those signals can be used to infer intent and cognitive states. Experience with a broad range of eye tracking systems and the ability to collaborate with researchers focusing on multisensory perceptual-motor control, goal inference and cognitive state (emotion, cognitive effort) is required. More broadly, the chosen candidate will work with a highly interdisciplinary team of researchers and engineers and will have access to cutting edge technology, resources, and testing facilities.

Responsibilities

* Develop and test models of visual search that include "bottom-up" and "top-down" influences on search strategies
* Implement and test state-of-the-art eye tracking algorithms and develop novel methods to improve saccadic detection for 3D eye tracking and pupillometry
* Devise and execute research plans to investigate ways to use eye tracking and pupillometry to infer user intent and cognitive state
* Work with HCI researchers to determine how eye tracking can be combined with other inputs (e.g. pointing) to infer user intent
* Work collaboratively with other cognitive scientist to help develop novel applications for eye tracking in AR interaction systems
* Mentor MS/PhD interns and collaborate with external academic groups to advance our research goals

Minimum Qualifications

* PhD degree in the field of applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, computer science, cognitive science, engineering psychology, or related areas
* Experience with Bayesian models of perception and cognition
* Experience in probabilistic machine learning or neural networks
* 2+ years of experience with scientific programming languages such as Python or similar
* 2+ years of experience in virtual reality, psychophysics, engineering psychology, or computational modeling
* Experience with interdisciplinary research that spans both perceptual research and engineering

Preferred Qualifications

* 2+ years experience in applying perceptual knowledge to solve engineering problems in industry
* 1+ years of experience in signal processing
* 1+ years of experience in control theory
* Interpersonal skills including cross-group and cross-culture collaboration
* Communication and personal management skills
* Proven track record of achieving results, including first-authored journal publications