Research Assistant / PhD Student (all genders) - Human-Computer Interaction / Human-AI Collaboration

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The Urban Interaction Lab at TU Darmstadt investigates mobile interaction in and with the physical world. Our vision is an eXtended Reality (XR) in which digital information, AI systems, and real environments converge seamlessly, making interaction a spatial component of everyday life. To this end, we design, implement, and evaluate novel interaction techniques for mobile XR and explore new forms of human–AI collaboration. Building on body-centric, tactile, and haptic interfaces, we design interactions that are not only efficient and precise but also understandable, pleasant, and reliable. We work empirically and iteratively, rely on open, reproducible methods and prototypes, and examine the impact of our solutions in rigorous experiments. In this way, transparent, responsible, and effective XR systems emerge that meaningfully support people in their mobile everyday lives. We publish at an international top level (e.g., ACM CHI, UIST, ISMAR) and ensure lasting impact through transfer into open-source artifacts, datasets, and guidelines.

• Conception, prototypical implementation, and evaluation of interaction techniques and systems for human-AI collaboration in XR.
• Systematic literature work to identify relevant research gaps and derive concrete research questions.
• Planning and conducting empirical studies (lab and, if applicable, “in the wild”), including study design, data collection, analysis, and scholarly reporting.
• Integration of modern AI methods (e.g., LLMs, multimodal models) into interactive XR prototypes; design of interfaces between perception, decision-making, and action.
• Application of interdisciplinary methods from design (user-centered design), computer science (prototyping, user testing/usability evaluation), and psychology (perceptual psychology).
• First authorship and collaboration on publications at top venues (e.g., CHI, UIST, ISMAR, TVCG/PACMHCI).
• Participation in teaching and supervision of students (project and thesis work) in HCI/XR/AI, as well as support in the acquisition of external funding and project coordination.
• Development and maintenance of demos and showcases for knowledge transfer and public outreach (live demos, exhibitions).

You have

• a university science degree (Master’s/Diplom or equivalent) in computer science, HCI, media informatics, psychology with an HCI focus, or a related field.
• solid knowledge of HCI/UX methods (user-centered design, prototyping, usability/UX evaluation) and empirical research (quantitative/qualitative).
• practical experience in XR development (ideally Unity/C# or Unreal).
• an interest in AI-based interactions; experience with LLMs/multimodal models (e.g., prompting, tool use, agent logic) is welcome.
• initial experience with quantitative (e.g., R or Python; mixed models, ANOVA) and qualitative (e.g., open coding, thematic analysis) data analysis.
• very good English skills in speaking and writing; German skills are an advantage (or the willingness to acquire them).

You are characterized by

• enjoyment of interdisciplinary, conceptual-technical work and a desire to shape new interaction experiences.
• an independent, creative working style, structured project management, and reliable team communication.
• scientific curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility for human-centered, transparent, and fair AI systems.

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

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If you have any questions about this position, please contact Ansprechperson on Telefon.