Junior Researcher (PhD) in Adaptive XR User Interfaces with Physiological Sensing in the Design & Services Research Community

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position for three years focusing on adaptive XR user interfaces with physiological sensing. Research activities in the Design and Services RC support the University of Laplands strategic spearhead in research. The research is grounded in user-centred design, co-design and the creation of interactive prototypes, supported by advanced laboratory facilities for design prototyping.

The PhD research focuses on investigating user interfaces that adapt in real time based on physiological sensing. The work combines design, technical implementation and empirical evaluation. The candidate will design and prototype adaptive XR interfaces and evaluate how physiological signals can be used to infer user states such as those related to cognitive load, stress, attention, engagement and fatigue and how these can be used to dynamically adjust interface behaviour. The research utilises MAGICS FIRI research infrastructure at the Faculty of Art and Design, especially the HumanTech lab.

Your tasks

The candidate will:

• design and develop XR prototypes (e.g. using Unreal Engine or Unity) that adapt visual, auditory or interaction elements in response to user state

• integrate physiological-sensing technologies into XR systems, potentially including, e.g. eye tracking using devices such as Varjo XR-3, heart-related measures using wearable sensors and electrodermal activity (EDA/GSR) for stress detection

• conduct controlled laboratory experiments and in situ XR studies to evaluate adaptive behaviour using both quantitative measures and qualitative methods

• explore design strategies for adaptive interfaces, such as adjusting task difficulty based on inferred user state

• investigate the user experience, trust, transparency and acceptance of adaptive systems

• publish results in leading international venues in HCI, XR and design research.

The work may involve collaboration with interdisciplinary partners in areas such as humancomputer interaction, cognitive science, wearable technology and service design. The candidate is expected to actively participate in the design and services research community.

Your duties will include:

• conducting doctoral research on a topic aligned with the research of the user experience research group

• completing the studies and credits required for the doctoral degree

• carrying out research living up to the highest ethical standards, including the application for a research ethics permit if required by the topic

• committing to the guidance and activities of the research community

• potential teaching in your field and/or other academic tasks (max 5% of working hours).

🎁We offer

• a clear and structured study framework within a multidisciplinary academic community, making it possible to complete a doctoral degree in 3 years

• supervision by senior staff at the research community

• a multidisciplinary working environment that is competent in different design and prototyping techniques

• high-level skills for careers in academia or other demanding educational, development and expert roles in society

• an engaging research environment with opportunities for multidisciplinary research collaboration

• state-of-the-art research infrastructure and design labs.

We expect

• a suitable masters degree in design, humancomputer interaction or related disciplines

• competence in creating immersive VR prototypes

• genuine research interest in conducting state-of-the-art research

• proficiency in English

• a collaborative, proactive, self-directed and responsible work ethic.

These positions are intended for applicants who are starting their doctoral research. To be eligible, applicants must not currently hold a right to pursue a doctoral degree in any university in any country. Selected candidates are expected to apply for doctoral study rights during the University of Laplands application period in spring 2027 (216 February 2027).

Required Application Documents

The required documents should be submitted in English.

If you have used generative AI in your documents, specify how it was utilised.

The required documents are:

• a doctoral research plan that follows the template (which can be found at Application enclosures for Doctoral education - University of Lapland) and is a max. length of 5 pages (including the bibliography but excluding covers and potential appendices); if the research includes an artistic or production-oriented component, justify its significance

• a one-page summary of the research plan, including contact information (address, telephone number, email address)

• a one-page motivation letter that includes a hand-signed declaration stating that all the information provided in your application documents is accurate and complete

• an academic CV (use the TENK template: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae ), including the names and contact information of two (2) references

• copies of degree certificates

• copies of certificates showing language skills if language skills are not specified in the degree certificate.

Further information on the position

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Jonna Häkkilä (with questions about the content of the position) jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi. If you have questions about the recruitment process, contact tutkijakoulu(at)ulapland.fi.

Note: Due to the holiday season, email inquiries received in July will be answered in August.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland Employment duration: 3 years full-time, starting on 1 January 2027 Probation period: 6 months Salary: The salary is based on the university salary system for teaching and research staff (demand level 2), with a starting salary of approximately €2,714/month. The task-specific component