Research Assistant for research project on AI and game design

Malmo

Reference number P 2024/2106

Malmö University is an innovative, urban, and internationally-oriented academic institution that, thanks to its committed and experienced staff, contributes to societal development. Here, teachers, researchers, and other employees with various competencies work together to conduct high-quality education and research. All professional categories and roles are important. You are welcome to apply for a job with us!

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We are looking for
Research Assistant for research project on AI and game design at the Faculty of Technology and Society.

Work duties
The research assistant will support FORTE Starting Grant: I get by with a little help from AI: Artificial intelligence supported human collaboration.

Website: Link

Recently, there has been rapid growth of remote work and the importance of AI-supported tools and systems in facilitating effective communication and organization in virtual workspaces. This project explores how collaboration takes place and outlines the development of AI-supported tools to facilitate collaborative group work environments for designers and developers in the games industry with a focus on the design elements and the creative process with different game development target groups (game companies, students, and at game jams). Our goal is then to develop AI-supported tools that assist these game development groups when developing and collaborating. The project takes a participatory approach that makes it possible co-designed tools, solutions, and prototypes be more inclusive and aligned with the target groups and end-user needs. Therefore, workshops, interviews, and discussion with different groups is necessary and expected.

This project is divided into four phases: Phase 1: A comprehensive review to analyse the field and understand how collaboration works in the different target groups; Phase 2: Co-design workshops; Phase 3: prototype development and refinement, and test in game design work environments; and Phase 4: co-design workshops to discuss the role of AI as mediator and facilitator in group collaboration.

The tasks for the research assistant will include but are not limited to the analysis of data, conducting a systematic literature review, and the creation and testing of prototypes, as well as the co-authoring of research papers. Concurrently, the research assistant will also contribute to the management of workshops and user studies to be conducted during the project with game development students, game companies, and with participants of game jams.

Qualifications
Specific requirements for this position:

• Relevant academic background: bachelor’s degree in computer science, game development, or related subject.
• Experience with designing games and working in collaborative game projects (as part of work or studies).
• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal.

The following would be of benefit for the position:

• Ability to speak, read and write Swedish is advantageous.
• Knowledge about artificial intelligence (as part of work or studies) is considered beneficial.
• Experience related to the use of AI to assist in game development (as part of work or studies).
• Experience running user studies or co-design workshops.

In addition to formal competence, University employees must possess the personal capacities necessary to perform the duties of the position well and to represent the University in the best possible way.

Faculty, Department and Research environment
Faculty of Technology and Society

The Faculty of Technology and Society conducts education and research focusing on technology and natural sciences at two departments: Computer Science and Media Technology and Materials Science and Applied Mathematics. The faculty collaborates with companies and other organisations in order to raise the level of competence, create new products, develop activities and offer students an early connection to their future working life. Our research collaborations and staff from many different countries give our activities an international profile. Link

The Department of Computer Science and Media Technology

The Department of Computer Science and Media Technology offers research-linked education at first-cycle, second-cycle and doctoral levels. The department conducts research in computer science, information systems, software engineering and media technology. We are interested in research and education areas such as artificial intelligence, digital media, e-health, internet of things, societal consequences of digitalization and game development. Link

Game Lab

The Game Lab carries out Game Research and Research-based Education at Malmö University. The research focuses on Game Artificial Intelligence, Computational Creativity, Playful and Social Embodied Experiences, Procedural Content Generation, Game User Experience, and Data-Driven Game AI. Read more about the Game Lab here: Link

Further information
Alberto Alvarez, Associate Senior Lecturer, [email protected]

In our recruitment work, Malmö University has taken a stand regarding recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore decline all offers of advertising and recruitment assistance in connection with this advertisement.

You can read more about the benefits of working in Sweden here: https://sweden.se/collection/working-in-sweden/

Application
You apply for this position via Malmö University's recruitment system by clicking on the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is completed in accordance with the job advertisement, and that it is submitted to the University no later than January 05, 2025. The application must be written in Swedish, English or any of the Nordic languages. As an applicant, you are responsible for the application and its appendices being translated.

The application must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of relevant degrees and certificates
• A brief account on a maximum of one page, where you describe your experience, background and competence related to the applied position that makes you the most suitable candidate

Miscellaneous
This is a half-time (50%), fixed-term employment of six months.

Malmö University is a workplace and higher education institution that is characterised by an open and inclusive approach, where gender equality and equal terms add value to our activities.

Malmö University applies individual salary setting.

Start date
February 1, 2025 or as agreed.

Union representatives
Bodil Sterner, OFR [email protected]

Mats Syde, SACO [email protected]

We are looking forward to receiving your application!
You apply no later than 05/01/2025 by clicking the apply button.