项目介绍

2025年3月13日

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping the future of Human-AI interaction and developing next-generation collaborative tools?
This fully funded PhD explores cutting-edge spatial AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) to revolutionize how teams collaborate in shared spaces.
Join us in shaping the next generation of AI-driven tools through cutting-edge research at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Project

The research aims to design an AI-powered toolkit that captures and models collocated collaboration by analyzing voice conversations, spatial positioning, and contextual factors in real time. By leveraging depth cameras, location trackers, audio interfaces, and interactive tools, the system will collect multimodal data to understand the nuances of team interactions. This data will be processed through spatial AI techniques and Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate a dynamic and intelligent representation of the collaborative environment.

Expected outcomes include new conceptual models for spatial AI in collaborative work, building on theories of Proxemic Interaction and Context-Aware Computing. Additionally, the research will contribute to the development of open-source toolkits that translate collocated collaboration into meaningful, interactive representations, making AI-driven teamwork more intuitive and effective.

This PhD offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of Interaction Design (IxD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). By pushing the boundaries of collaborative computing, this research has the potential to transform how people work together in shared spaces. If you are passionate about developing AI-driven systems that enhance human collaboration, we encourage you to apply.

Profile

We are recruiting a PhD candidate with a strong background in computer science, interactive systems, HCI, and prototyping, combined with expertise in AI or data science. The ideal candidate will explore new toolkits, AI techniques, and information visualizations that bring data and AI into interactive experiences for collaborative work. In this role, you will research and develop novel technical prototypes, conduct technical studies, and experiment with innovative Human-AI interaction concepts. If you have a passion for blending creativity, technology, and research, we encourage you to apply!

Research Group and Context

This PhD project is part of an NWO VIDI research initiative focused on the future of AI tools for collocated collaborative work. The position is supervised by Professor Steven Houben (https://stevenhouben.be/) and is hosted within the Human-Data Interaction research group, which is part of the Department of Industrial Design (ID) and the Computational Design Systems (CDS) research cluster.

As a PhD candidate, you will join a dynamic and rapidly growing interdisciplinary research environment that explores novel technologies in the context of societal challenges, including health, sustainability, vitality, education, and the future of work. You will also be part of a vibrant PhD community engaged in research areas such as physical computing, human-centered AI, and domain-specific applications.

Although this PhD project is exploratory and blue-sky in nature, it aligns with ongoing research on health, future of work, and creative work. This provides opportunities to collaborate with local and international industry partners and academic researchers, helping to establish a strong professional network for a future career in academia or industry research. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to engage with the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI).

The University

Eindhoven University of Technology combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. We understand things by making them and we make things by understanding them. Our campus is in the center of one of the most powerful technology hubs in the world: Brainport Eindhoven. Globally, we stand out when it comes to collaborating with advanced industries. Together with other institutions, we form a thriving ecosystem with one common aim – to improve quality of life through sustainable innovations.

The Department of Industrial Design (ID) is one of the nine departments of TU/e and has an internationally leading position, conducting exciting research on the intersection of Design, Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Social Sciences, and Humanities. In particular, the department aims to inspire and educate a new generation of design engineers who can contribute with their novel designs, their fluency in AI/ML algorithms and data, and their academic critical questioning, to the imminent and complex societal challenges our world is facing today.

Job requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction or Industrial Design, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence or a related technical field.
• Experience and knowledgeable in AI techniques (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, predictive analytics) and data-driven approaches (e.g., data processing, data visualization, and data modelling).
• Experience and knowledgeable with architecting and building systems, toolkits, and technical prototypes.
• Familiarity with research methodologies, academic writing and publishing scientific research, and collaborative research projects.
• Demonstrable research-oriented experience, interest, or attitude.
• Experience or interest in conducting experimental using technical prototypes
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary fast-paced research team
• Strong communication skills, including proficiency in written and spoken English (C1).

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Steven Houben, Associate Professor in Human-Data Interaction (s.houben@tue.nl or https://stevenhouben.be/).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ID@tue.nl. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the ‘apply now’-button on this page. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae
• A summary of your MSc thesis.
• A one-page visual poster or abstract of a project that exemplifies best your interest, expertise, or experience.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. The screening will continue until the position has been filled.