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 January 2027 or later.
Title:
Human-AI Interaction for Generative User Interfaces (GenUI)
Research area and project description:
We seek a Ph.D. candidate to conduct research on the emerging concept of Generative User Interfaces (GenUI): Interfaces that are generated, in whole or in part, with AI, whether for users at runtime or by users and designers who shape them as a malleable material.
The project will have a focus on developing functional GenUI tools for interaction designers, both where interaction designers shape their own tools, and where they design for users to shape their own tools and interfaces.
Research in this Ph.D. project will address fundamental questions on malleable and AI-mediated interfaces: what are the design guidelines and fundamental building blocks for GenUI? How can GenUI balance complexity, usability, expressivity, and familiarity? When interfaces are malleable and can be hyper-personalised for individual users, how can they be shared to support collaboration and knowledge sharing? How do we conceptualize the role of AI in interface design? Is AI the user’s assistant, collaborator, tool, or medium?
Possible research topics include (but are not limited to):
The project is embedded in the larger Nordic research project called Responsible AI in Interaction Design Practice (RAID). RAID brings together leading experts in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Human-Centered AI to investigate how AI is used in interaction design practice, how we can responsibly create new AI tools for interaction design, what extreme cases of AI integration imply, and how we can teach future designers to use AI responsibly.
There is funding to visit the other partnering institutions (Bergen University, Tampere University, University of Gothenburg, and the IT University in Copenhagen) as well as funding for a stay abroad for up to six months.
You must upload a brief project description (between 2-6 pages) to demonstrate your ability to write a research argument and describe your proposal for what your specific research interests are in relation to this project.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Required qualifications: Candidates are required to have backgrounds in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction research, or related fields. They must have a strong interest in research on human-AI interaction techniques and human-centered AI. Strong software development skills is a must.
Preferred qualifications: Applicants should demonstrate research potential through prior work (e.g., thesis, HCI publications, etc.), and experience in developing software that integrates AI.
The candidate must have an interest in bridging high-level conceptual work and technical implementation. This implies academic as well as technical fluency.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Computer Science, Aabogade 34, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor, Clemens Nylandsted Klokmose, clemens@cs.au.dk or Assistant Professor, Jens Emil Grønbæk, jensemil@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 2026)
Please note:
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. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
