Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Computer Science programme. The position is available from November 2025 or later.

Title:
Multimodal Spatial Interfaces for Human-AI Collaboration

Research area and project description:
We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join a research project exploring how multimodal and spatial interfaces can transform human-AI collaboration. While general-purpose generative AI has demonstrated impressive capabilities, key challenges remain: particularly in aligning AI systems with human intent and improving interaction beyond linear, text-based prompts. This project investigates how AI systems can be better aligned with human goals through intuitive, multimodal interfaces that integrate gesture, gaze, and voice.

This project will conduct foundational Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research to advance the state-of-the-art of XR & AI user interfaces. This involves, but is not restricted to, the design, implementation, and evaluation of novel interaction concepts and systems, to better understand and shape the future of such systems. The project includes, but is not restricted to, the following sub-topics:

• Multimodal interaction: Multimodal XR with e.g. hand, face, and eye tracking offer immersive and natural ways of engaging with content.
• Mixed physical-real systems: The integration of the physical environment, e.g., sensed through headsets or smartglasses, as a base for exploring new interfaces
• Predictive interaction: XR technology provides a wealth of contextual information that can be used to predict user action, and adapt the UI to the users.

Hybrid cross-device interaction: People can engage with AI from various devices (mobiles, head-worn, etc.), and it is an open question how to best support interaction from one to another, or together.

Since the project has an interdisciplinary nature, collaboration possibilities are available within the Danish Pioneer Center of Artificial Intelligence as well as with the international network of the supervisors.

The PhD positions are available with Dr. Ken Pfeuffer. More information (e.g., recent research publications) can be found on www.kenpfeuffer.com. If you consider applying, you are encouraged to get in contact informally, for discussion of your interest.

Please upload a project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.

Qualifications and specific competences:
You must have a relevant master’s degree in computer science, HCI or related field, where you showed excellent results. We expect you to have a genuine interest, and ideally experience, in creative work and user-centred design, and you should have relevant technical and software engineering skills. Any experience with VR/AR, collaborative HCI, or AI techniques applicable to HCI is a plus.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Åbogade 34, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. 

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Ken Pfeuffer, ken@cs.au.dk

How to apply:

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 June 2025)

1. Choose August 2025 Call with deadline 1 August 2025 at 23:59 CEST.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Computer Science”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: “Multimodal Spatial Interfaces for Human-AI Collaboration (MSIHuC)”

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.