Digital Experiences Research Associate Principal
We seek a well-rounded researcher with a background in areas related to human-computer interaction, a passion for rethinking how people interact with machines, and the ability to envision how this can transform the way we work and live.
Researchers in our lab are called upon to:
- Track a broad range of emerging technologies that are poised to transform the human-machine interface and become deep experts in some of these.
- Dive deeply into application areas that are relevant to Accenture and clients, to understand where the most critical challenges, and most promising opportunities lie.
- Envision, prototype, and pilot new solutions to these challenges by applying deep skills in HCI and related paradigms.
The primary purpose of our applied research is to address important business problems by transforming the way people interact with technology in various facets of their lives including: the way connected workers team with machines on the job; the way retail customers experience a digitally-enhanced buying experience; and the way smart products can improve the way consumers live. In these contexts, we explore the impact of extended reality, crowdsourcing, physical and virtual robots, and more.
With this in mind, researchers at the Associate Principal level must be able to:
- Explore and define new research projects within the research group’s overall agenda.
- Build on ideas provided by stakeholders and managers to produce high quality deliverables.
- Execute projects through some combination of prototype development, empirical research and thought leadership.
Our researchers participate in collaborative research between academia and industry and integrate resulting approaches into our projects. As such, researchers are expected to:
- Participate in their research community by building relationships and serving as a domain expert when working with clients or client teams.
- Participate and serve in the research community (e.g., conferences, consortiums, workshops) and build university relationships.
- Explore and apply for research grants from internal (Accenture partners and clients) and external funding organizations
Key Responsibilities:
Influence and Execute R&D Agenda
- Pursue research projects agreed upon with R&D leadership, participating in both their conception and technical development.
- Supervise and mentor more junior researchers and research engineers to successfully complete their responsibilities and assist with career progression
- Build prototypes – bringing concepts to initial implementations – including design, development and testing
- Apply and reshape prototypes in pioneering engagements based on clients’ needs and drive toward successful deployment in the clients’ environment
- Continuously learn new technology areas that are mission-aligned to the R&D group
Act as Subject Matter Expert in area of expertise
- Participate in projects as a representative within your area of expertise
- Discuss issues or trends within area of expertise to raise client and/or Accenture awareness
- Act as a contributor in medium critical situations, either internally for Accenture or at client engagement(s) pertaining to your area of expertise
Contribute to assets/offerings and thought leadership
- Contribute to both internal and external thought leadership, both more and less formal, targeted for various audiences.
- Publish and present research papers in top tier conferences, workshops and journals
- Serve as reviewer, technical program community, and/or panelist in conferences and workshops
Enhance Accenture’s marketplace reputation
- Work confidently with internal networks and other thought leaders on key relevant issues.
- Demonstrate expertise internally (e.g. presentations to internal audiences, participates in community of practice, etc.)
- Build deep relationships with teams in partner organizations
- Build deep relationships with researchers from academia and other research labs
- Actively contribute to the technology community and establish external reputation as expert.
Here's what you need:
- PHD or equivalent experience conducting research / advanced R&D in an area relevant to human-computer interaction.
- 2+ years of experience creating prototypes that apply and test new ideas related to HCI or related areas.
Bonus Points If:
- Experience with Extended and Mixed Reality, Human Machine & Robotics, Adaptive design, Wearables and IoT
- 2+ years of experience developing products or prototypes
- Knowledge of user-centered design methods
- Understanding of user experience research methodologies such as ethnographic research, usability testing, focus groups, etc.
- Proven ability to help define and execute against a project plan
- Proven ability to collaborate and work in a team-oriented environment
- Proven ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment
- Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
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