Working Student - Physiological Signals as a Measure of Cognitive Load in Virtual Reality (all genders)

Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen IIS

3d • Onsite

About The Position

As the largest institute within the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we have been conducting research for over 30 years in diverse fields such as artificial intelligence, microelectronics, sensor systems, data collection, signal processing and transmission. Talents from various engineering and natural science disciplines will find a wide range of exciting research topics under a single roof. A few highlights that reflect our innovative strength: Neuromorphic computing, 5G/6G mobile communication technologies, generative AI in speech and signal processing, and X-ray imaging for e-mobility. And that’s just the beginning! Which sustainable solutions will you find with us? You are interested in combining research and practices and would like to develop further in the field of auditory cognition and physiological measurements? Then have a look at our offer! As part of the »Advanced Speech Research« group, you will be involved in performing empirical research on the perception and cognition of audio in an interactive virtual environment. One of the goals is to understand how physiological signals can be used to assess the cognitive load of processing speech information. Specifically, a study will be conducted to assess eye data such as pupillometry and gaze-tracking while people perform mind-wandering and N-back tasks. A controlled virtual reality environment will be developed to induce different cognitive states in a systematic manner using different speech passages, enabling research into mental demand in a reproducible environment. The research provides a unique opportunity to combine: Creative Design and Implementation: You will design and implement an audiovisual environment in a virtual reality environment and integrate tools to record physiological signals. Gathering Ground Truth Data: You will coordinate and conduct an empirical research experiment to collect data from participants reflecting cognitive states throughout various tasks. Data Analysis: You will perform statistical analysis of data following publishing methods in addition to supporting new modelling methods. Scientific Writing: You will be given the chance to contribute to publishing the research through scientific journals or conferences, in addition to showcasing your results through online datasets.

Requirements

• Currently studying either a bachelor’s or master’s degree related to cognitive sciences, sensory sciences, or a related field.
• Enjoying creative and collaborative work in a multidisciplinary field and are eager to learn about topics such as virtual reality and auditory cognition.
• Strong command of English for working in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement an audiovisual environment in a virtual reality environment and integrate tools to record physiological signals.
• Coordinate and conduct an empirical research experiment to collect data from participants reflecting cognitive states throughout various tasks.
• Perform statistical analysis of data following publishing methods in addition to supporting new modelling methods.
• Contribute to publishing the research through scientific journals or conferences, in addition to showcasing your results through online datasets.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours that are perfectly compatible with your studies.
• Open and friendly working atmosphere in which your ideas are valued.
• Divers tasks that inspire and challenge you.
• Application-oriented research and put your theoretical knowledge to practice.
• Exciting and pioneering projects that make a real difference.
• Attractive opportunities to join the institute on a full-time or part-time basis after studies.
• Opportunity to write a bachelor's or master's thesis in cooperation with us.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed