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 2026 or later.
Title:
Ph.D. Position in Coding Agents for Data Visualization & Analytics
Research area and project description:
We seek one Ph.D. student to investigate coding agents for data visualization and analytics in ubiquitous, mobile, and field settings. The project explores how AI-powered code generation can enable anyone to create, adapt, and interact with data visualizations anywhere, on any device, without requiring programming expertise.
A central challenge in data analytics is that visualization remains tethered to desktop environments and technical users. Coding agents—AI systems that generate, modify, and execute code on behalf of users—offer a path toward democratizing visual data analysis. This project investigates how such agents can operate in mobile and situated contexts: on phones, tablets, and wearable displays; in the field, the clinic, or the classroom; for analysts, domain experts, and citizens alike.
Research will address questions such as: How should coding agents translate natural language or gestural input into effective visualizations on constrained devices? What interaction paradigms let users steer, critique, and refine agent-generated visual analytics in real time? How do we maintain transparency and user agency when AI mediates the entire pipeline from data to visual output? And how do environmental and social context shape the requirements for agent-driven analytics?
Possible topics include (but are not limited to): natural language and multimodal interfaces for agent-driven visualization authoring; adaptive visualization for mobile and embedded displays; human-AI collaboration patterns for iterative visual analysis; situated and context-aware analytics in field settings; and accessible, on-demand data visualization for non-technical users. Immersive and extended reality environments may also serve as target platforms.
We follow participatory methods, working closely with domain experts and end-users. Research may combine system prototyping, qualitative studies, and empirical evaluation to advance both theoretical understanding and practical tool development.
Project description
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:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a.Master's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field; strong interest in human-centered AI, data visualization, or code generation.
Preferred: Research experience in visualization, LLM-based code generation, or mobile/ubiquitous computing; publications in HCI, visualization, or related venues; proficiency in web-based or mobile development.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Computer Science, Åbogade 34, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Niklas Elmqvist (elm@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.
