PhD student in Visualization and Media technology with a focus on interactive embodied AI

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We are looking for a PhD student in Visualization Technology and Methodology  with a focus on interactive visualization, visual learning, science communication, and educational science, formally based at the Department of Science and Technology, Campus Norrköping. You will have the possibility to investigate AI-driven conversational guides and their impact on learning and engagement in public educational environments. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and develop innovative AI solutions at the Visualization Center in Norrköping.

The advertised position is part of a Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg (MAW) foundation funded project that investigates the possibilities and implications of AI-enabled conversational guides on visitors’ learning and experiences in public educational environments, such as the Visualization Center in Norrköping. The goals of the project are to identify AI-guide characteristics, investigate interactions between AI-guides, pedagogues and visitors, and explore the combination of visuo-verbal interactions for enhancing engagement and learning with interactive exhibits in public spaces.

Specifically, this project investigates F-formations—the spatial configurations people adopt during social interactions—and their impact on embodied AI guides in science center learning environments.

Building on research into AI-driven conversational agents in public education settings, this project will explore how spatial positioning, movement, and embodied presence influence visitor engagement and knowledge retention. The research will examine:

• How F-formations shape visitor interactions with AI-driven guides and human facilitators
• The role of embodiment in AI-guide design, including gestures, gaze, and positioning
• How embodied AI agents can dynamically adapt to group behaviors and learning needs

The project will combine observational studies, interaction design, and experimental evaluations to develop embodied AI-driven embodied agents (e.g. robots) that can fluidly integrate into visitor interactions. Some aspects that can be of focus can include how embodied AI can facilitate group engagement, scaffold learning, and personalize interactions based on spatial and behavioral cues. Thus, the project requires technical skills in the development and programming of embodied AI agents.

You will collaborate closely with visualization researchers, AI-specialists, research engineers, educational scientists, and pedagogues, across Linköping University and the Visualization Center to study the impact of emerging AI-driven educational technology on learning in public educational spaces.

You are expected to produce research outputs relevant to the fields of visual learning and communication, and computer science. These outputs should include publications at international conferences, workshops, and journals. As this research is highly collaborative, you should thrive within and be passionate about contributing to a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

As a doctoral student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research project of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

We are searching for someone with a Master’s degree in computer science, media technology, computer engineering, human-computer/robot Interaction, or related fields. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

The position requires knowledge in the areas of interactive visualization, visual learning and communication, or related domains. Proficiency in programming (C/C++, python) is necessary for this position. It will be considered advantageous if you also have experience in mobile robotics, and/or machine learning.

As the communication of research results mainly takes place in English, this employment requires fluency in English, both spoken and written. Given the research potential for outreach to the public it is an advantage if you also have advanced skills in Swedish.

For this employment you need to be driven by engagement, curiosity, creativity and problem solving. You need to have the ability to work independently, but also the ability and willingness to collaborate with fellow colleagues from different backgrounds.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

The PhD position will be based in the Media and Information Technology (MIT) division, belonging to the Department of Science and Technology at the university’s Norrköping Campus. MIT is an international leader in interdisciplinary, applied research with expertise in visualization, design, computer graphics, and the learning sciences. The research nexus for the division is the Visualization Center C, a unique science center in Norrköping that engages the public through data-driven installations and 3D fulldome experiences. Read more at http://visualiseringscenter.se .

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement.

This position may come to be a security classified position. If so, security screening including a records check will be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants .

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 11th of august 2025.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter motivating why you are interested in the position, and why you want to pursue a Ph.D in embodied AI and Interactive AI.
• A short description of prior experience relevant for the position (if existing).
• A CV including contact details, dates of earlier degrees and universities at which they were obtained, a list of peer-reviewed publications (if any), and contact details of at least two reference persons.
• Certificates of degrees and undergraduate transcripts records with grades.
• A copy of your Masters thesis or link to the published version.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities .

We look forward to receiving your application!

Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.

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