[visionlist] PhD position: The Influence Of Over-Competitiveness On Research

[Christoph Bartneck]

The University of Canterbury (Christchurch, New Zealand) has the following
vacancy for a PhD student:

* *

*The Influence Of Over-Competitiveness On Research*



*Project Description:*

In a world of increasingly scarce resources, researchers compete for
funding, people, infrastructure, promotions and publications. The
acceptance rates of funding proposals often fall below the 10% mark and
conference proclaim a low acceptance rate as an indicator for the quality
of the event. Researchers suffer from constant rejections while at the same
time being measured against high expectations for their promotions. The
review systems in place to judge the proposals or publications create an
enormous overhead. Senior researchers often spend more time writing funding
proposals and reviewing papers than actually doing research. Young
researchers suffer from the lack of funding and career opportunities.



This project tries to gain insight into the consequences that a highly
competitive research environment has on the conduct of research. More
specifically, we aim to understand what the influence the competitiveness
has on the productivity of researchers and the quality of their work.



The project will use social simulation to model the research environment
and important factors in it. We will review and extend the
Peer-Group-Assessed-Grant-Based-Funding-System (Fang, 2011 <#_ENREF_1>) to
take all the relevant factors into account. We will then run several
simulations to examine the influence of competitiveness on the research
performed. Next, we will use real world data to verify the model. Last, we
will use the model to explore alternative strategies to structure the
conduct of science in order to find a stable state in which the true
innovative power of science is maximized.



*Your skills:*

You should be familiar with social simulation software packages (VisSim,
Simio, OpenModelica, GameMaker, etc.) and have the ability to model complex
systems. A background in information systems or computer science would be
beneficial. Strong oral and written communication skills will be given
preference.



*The HIT Lab NZ:*

The Human Interface Technology Laboratory New Zealand (HIT Lab NZ) is world
leading research institutions developing and commercializing technology
that improves human computer interaction. The HIT Lab NZ has over 50 staff
and students and has extensive experience in Human Computer Interaction and
Science & Technology Studies. The HIT Lab NZ is located at the University
of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. The University of Canterbury
has the top Engineering School in New Zealand, including a highly ranked
Department of Computer Science. For more information about the HIT Lab NZ
see http://www.hitlabnz.org/



Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand and offers an
exciting and easy lifestyle for students. It is the most affordable major
city to live in. It easy to get around whether you are biking, walking,
driving or using the excellent public transport system. Christchurch also
offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor activities, and is close to
both surf beaches and ski-fields.



*Appointment and Scholarship Support:*

The appointment is full time for a duration of three years. As a student at
the University of Canterbury, you will be eligible for a scholarship that
will pay for the intuition fees and will provide additional support for
accommodation, living expenses and travel. Scholarships are available for
domestic and interactional students and are subject to a highly competitive
selection procedure. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. The
research in this project must be concluded with writing a PhD thesis within
the Human Interface Technology PhD program of the HIT Lab NZ. For more
information about the PhD program in Human Interface Technology, please see
http://www.hitlabnz.org/index.php/education/phd-program



*Requirements:*

International applicants will be required to arrange for their NZ student
visa after an offer of a place. Please check
http://www.immigration.govt.nzfor information about what type of visa
might be most suitable and the
process of acquiring it. The university has various types of accommodation
available on campus. Please check http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/accom/ for
information about the options and prices. International students should
also consult the International Student website at
http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/international/ to learn about the cost of
living, fees, and insurances.



*Further Information and Application:*

Further information can be obtained by contacting Christoph Bartneck (
christoph.bartneck at canterbury.ac.nz) or Kevin Voges (
kevin.voges at canterbury.ac.nz). Information about the HIT Lab NZ is
available at: http://www.hitlabnz.org. Please upload your application as
one PDF file at http://hitlabnz.org/index.php/jobs/job/35/. Your
application must include a letter explaining your specific interest in the
project, an extensive curriculum vitae, your academic records, and a list
of two references. Applications will be accepted until September 17th, 2012
or until position is filled.
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