Overview
The Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi Lab is looking for an experienced Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher to join the lab as a postdoc/resident leading the HCI work on Project Gecko.
Project Gecko aims to support small-holder farmers in Kenya and India with generative AI which is culturally and linguistically appropriate, is suitable for low resource settings and provides high quality domain specific multi-modal output.
This post-doc position is for a candidate to lead the HCI work as part of a large, collaborative, multi-disciplinary project.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing the research protocol, designing and conducting the field study in Kenya, as well as supervising an intern conducting fieldwork in India.
The field study will be primarily qualitative, and the researcher will need to lead the field work, data analysis and report writing. The candidate will work with HCI and ML researchers, product designers, engineers and other stakeholders to ensure that the research study is aligned with the product goals and user needs.
Qualifications
- PhD degree in Computer Science/Engineering/Behavioral science (sociology, anthropology, psychology, cognitive science) field with a focus on Human Computer Interaction
- Proven research record including publications in top computer science and HCI venues, such as CHI
- At least 3 years experience (this can be during PhD study) in qualitative HCI research and HCI methodologies including ethnography, interviews, user studies, wizard of Oz etc.
- Ability to design and execute on a research agenda
- Excellent critical thinking and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-discipline environment
Other Requirements:
- Please include a 1-page statement of why you are a good fit for this post with your CV.
Responsibilities
• Plan and execute qualitative field work (including ethnography and interviews)
• Come up with design implications and recommendations
• Conduct remote and in-person usability testing of prototypes and document the findings
• Work as part of a deeply integrated multi-disciplinary team
• Communicate research findings through reports, publications, presentations, and engagements with the academic and research communities including peer reviews and patents
• Collaborate with research, engineering, and other stakeholders to inform product development.
• Contribute to cutting edge research on Generative AI in Africa
Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work