PhD fellowship in Human–Computer Interaction with Virtual Reality

PhD fellowship in Human–Computer Interaction with Virtual Reality

Faculty of SCIENCE

We are offering a PhD fellowship at the Human-Centered Computing Section, Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen (www.di.ku.dk ). The position is three years and starts 1st January 2023 or soon thereafter.

The PhD fellow will work on human–computer interaction with virtual reality. The position is part of a project that investigates movement learning in VR. The project aims to theorize how sensory feedback in VR (e.g., visual or haptic) influences physical movements (e.g., redirection), and to optimise motor learning through designing how user interfaces for VR provide feedback. Therefore, knowledge and interest related to human–computer interaction research is essential, but as a PhD student you have much freedom to detail your focus: to a large extent, you shape the research you work on and the ideas you pursue.

Why do a PhD at our group in Copenhagen?
This position offers an opportunity to join a globally recognized, highly ambitious, creative, collaborative, and fun group of international researchers working at the forefront of human–computer interaction. Our Human–Centered Computing section aspires to be a top research group for human-computer interaction that bridges technology, theory, and empirical studies. We have a regular presence at CHI and UIST and do well in rankings (like www.csrankings.org ). We are currently ten faculty, and a large and active group of PhD fellows and postdocs for peer-support and to engage with in social activities.

The project this position is a part of involves collaboration with researchers at the Cognition, Intention and Action group at the Department of Psychology. In this position, you will also affiliate with the Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence and its Extended Reality collaboratory located at the University of Copenhagen.

The University of Copenhagen was founded in 1479 and is the oldest and largest university in Denmark. It is often ranked as the best university in Scandinavia and consistently as one of the top places in Europe. Within computer science, it is ranked 2nd in the European Union (post-Brexit) by Shanghai Ranking. We are located in Copenhagen, consistently recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities, in the country of Denmark, ranked as one of the top three happiest countries in the world.

The supervisor is Associate Professor Joanna Bergström. Please contact Joanna at [email protected] or +45 93565483 for enquiries.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme.

Qualifications
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g., computer science, psychology. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

The position is available for a 3-year period and your key tasks as a PhD student at SCIENCE are:

• Manage and carry through your research projects
• Complete PhD courses and other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS
• Teach and disseminate your research
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Write scientific articles aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend your PhD thesis on the basis of your research project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• MSc (or obtaining a MSc soon) in Human–computer Interaction, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Psychology, Movement Sciences, Computer Games, Computer and Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong motivation for doctoral studies; possessing the ability to work independently, and be creative in problem-solving. 
• Passionate interest in human-computer interaction research and experience in one or more of the following:
  • Empirical studies of human–computer interaction, motor learning, or perception.
  • Designing or developing software or hardware prototypes of interaction techniques or user interfaces.
• Strong interest in virtual reality, movement sciences, cognitive sciences, multimodal interaction, or other topics related to the project.
• Excellence in at least one of the following key criteria used for the assessment:
  • Grades that document an outstanding academic record in HCI
  • Scientific publication(s) in recognized, peer-reviewed venues
  • Awards and honors
  • Professional qualifications and work experience
  • Good programming skills.
  • Proficiency in English, both speaking and writing.

Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

The deadline for applications is 9th October 2022, 23:59 GMT+2. 

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.