The University of Aruba, in collaboration with KU Leuven (Belgium), and facilitated with funding from the European Development Fund (EDF), is seeking to expand its research and teaching capacity in bio-environmental engineering, technology, engineering, informatics, and data sciences. In 2019 the curriculum of the new academic bachelor in sciences, technology, and engineering and mathematics (STEM) opened its doors and will graduate its first bachelor's in 2022. This three-year program consists of a 180 European credits program with a focus on sustainable development in small island states. A 90 credit master program will start in 2022. For this new STEM sciences program, the University of Aruba and the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Leuven are currently looking for an outstanding:
JUNIOR RESEARCHER (1,0 fte)
The research will be focused on active-assisted-living using Internet of Things sensors and wearables. Furthermore, the PhD student will be asked to support some courses given in the Bachelor in Small Island Solutions in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SISSTEM), according to his/her background. The greater aim of the PhD project is to let older persons in Aruba have a good quality of life using active-assisted-living services. Depending on the specific needs of an older person in Aruba and other small island states, use-cases are identified. Potential use-cases are: active-assisted-living services after a COVID19 infection, fall detection services for older persons living alone. This work is in strong collaboration with Aruban care organizations. ICT prototype systems will be developed which are able to translate raw sensor data to actionable information.
We are looking for a highly motivated and scientifically excellent candidate in system integration, machine learning, and signal processing, with a problem-solving attitude to work in a collegial environment, pervaded with intellectual rigor. Strong communication skills complemented with innovative and analytical thinking are important assets. Applicants must hold an MSc in a related field including Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Sciences of an accredited university. Eligible candidates should at least have a Master's degree with distinction or a Master's degree with a scientific publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. The individual we are looking for will spend time at the University of Aruba and the Department of Electrical Engineering of the KU Leuven in Belgium. The successful applicant is expected to assist with teaching and mentoring of Bachelor students, and therefore should be fluent in English.
Candidates will be registered as research students of KU Leuven and receive excellent educational training and coaching as well as research training and supervision by both KU Leuven (Department of Electrical Engineering: https://www.esat.kuleuven.be/english) and the University of Aruba (https://www.ua.aw/sisstem/). The University of Aruba will offer you an exciting new opportunity for a four-year contract, on the condition that the research proposal is approved in the first year. The contract provides an attractive benefits package including APFA pension, additional health insurance, and a competitive wage. After successful completion of the PhD program, junior researchers are eligible for senior academic positions in the program.
Interested? Submit through the Apply button on the right your motivation letter (max. 1 page), resume (max. 2 pages), a scientific achievements track-record (max. 2 pages), PDF-scans of your diplomas and transcripts of academic records, and attestation of the level of English, and three names of referees.
If you need further information regarding the position, please contact us at stem@ua.aw and/or prof. Bart Vanrumste, phone: +32 16326407, bart.vanrumste@kuleuven.be. One (or more) job interviews, a medical exam, an assessment test, and a certificate of good conduct are in accordance with our rules of application and a standard part of our recruitment and selection procedure.
Candidates with a demonstrated strong affinity for Aruba and the Caribbean and for challenges in small island states are strongly encouraged to apply, but this link is not mandatory for the position.