项目介绍

2025年3月13日

Job description

How can we design new Human-AI interactions that enhance collaboration between people?
This fully funded PhD explores the intersection of AI and Physical User Interfaces to develop and prototype new AI embodiments that seamlessly integrate into collaborative work environments.
Join us in redefining how AI supports and enhances human collaboration!

Project

This PhD research explores innovative ways to enhance Human-AI collaboration through novel interactive collaborative visualization techniques. The project focuses on designing and researching intuitive, explainable AI (XAI) interfaces that empower non-expert users to engage with AI-driven systems more effectively in collaborative work settings.

The research will establish a principled approach to integrating human-centered explainability into interactive systems, bridging the gap between AI’s complex decision and content-making processes and users’ needs for transparency, trust, and usability. Potential applications span across domains such as knowledge work, creative industries, and the future of work, where AI-driven tools are increasingly shaping workflows. We are considering ideas using multi-device interaction, projection-based interfaces, new hardware ideas, or augmented reality (AR) interfaces.

The expected outcomes include new visualization methods, interaction techniques, and technical prototypes that translate AI capabilities into meaningful, accessible, and engaging collaborative experiences. The project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of Interaction Design (IxD), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

If you are passionate about designing the future of Human-AI interaction and creating impactful, user-friendly AI systems, this PhD is an excellent opportunity to explore, innovate, and make a difference.

Profile

We are recruiting a PhD candidate with a strong background in interaction/industrial design, HCI, and prototyping, combined with expertise in AI or data science. The ideal candidate will explore new form factors, interaction techniques, and interfaces that bring data and AI into interactive experiences for collaborative work. In this role, you will design and develop novel prototypes, conduct user 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 project is part of an NWO VIDI research project focusing on the future of AI tools for collocated collaborative work. The PhD position is supervised by Professor Steven Houben (https://stevenhouben.be/), and you will be hosted in the ‘Human-Data Interaction’ research group which is embedded in the Department of Industrial Design (ID) and Computational Design Systems (CDS) research cluster. You will join a dynamic and fast-growing interdisciplinary research environment that explores novel technology in the context of societal challenges such as health, sustainability, vitality, education, and the future of work. You will be part of a thriving PhD community working on a range of topics around physical computing, human-centered AI, and domain-specific research projects.

While this PhD project is exploratory and blue-sky in nature, it aligns with ongoing research projects around health, office vitality, and sustainability. You can therefore build a local and international network of industry partners and academic collaborators that will position you for a future academic or industry-oriented research career. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to network within 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 or affinity with the intersection of tangible user interfaces, physical computing, and interaction design with data science or artificial intelligence.
• Potential to publish academic research or a track record of publications in related areas.
• 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.