University assistant predoctoral - Project H4DES - haptic 4D printing for enhanced sensemaking

1000scholars; Wien; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

International academic team

Good public transport

Training courses

Fair salary

Job summary

The University of Vienna invites applications for a PhD position within the H4DES project (haptic 4D printing for enhanced sensemaking) in the Faculty of Computer Science. You will join a multidisciplinary team to explore data representation through 3D printing and haptic feedback, supervised by experts from the University of Vienna and TU Wien.

The role emphasizes independent research, collaboration, and contributing to publications, with a limited duration until the end of 2029.

Qualifications

• Background in interdisciplinary research combining HCI, fabrication and data visualization.
• Ability to conduct independent research and work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience with planning, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop data-encoding algorithms for elastic-object behavior.
• Evaluate multimodal perception combining visuals and haptics.
• Prototype and analyze 3D-printed sensing artifacts for VR simulations.

Skills

Interdisciplinary research

Independent researcher

Project management

English proficiency

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science (HCI / Data Visualization / Digital Fabrication / Computer Graphics)

Tools

Python

C++

CUDA

WebGL

Vulkan

3D printing

Job description

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. They represent individuals driven by curiosity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With us, they find the space to try things out and unfold their potential. Are you inspired by their passion and determination? We are currently seeking a/an

University assistant predoctoral - Project H4DES - haptic 4D printing for enhanced sensemaking

39 Faculty of Computer Science

Startdate: 01.11.2026 | Working hours: 30 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 Grundstufe (praedoc)

Reference no.: 6337

Explore and teach at the University of Vienna, where more than 7,500 academics thrive on curiosity in continuous exploration and help us better understand our world. Does this sound like you? Then join our accomplished team!

We are announcing a PhD position in the H4DES (haptic 4D printing for enhanced sensemaking) project at the Faculty of Computer Science, Research Group Visualization and Data Analysis.

The H4DES project revolves around exploring how state of the art 3D printing technologies can support people in understanding data. We develop techniques for haptic information encoding using fabrication techniques and study the limits of human perception in the context. Specifically, we target the representation of time-dependent, multidimensional, or multivariate data in a 3D context by controlling the behavior of elastic objects in response to specific stimuli. Additionally, we explore how to create 3D-printed sensing artifacts using conductive materials that allow us to measure deformation, for example, for use in VR simulations.

We invite applications from a wide range of backgrounds, such as HCI, fabrication, and beyond. A successful applicant will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team of advisors from the University of Vienna and TU Wien. Applicants should demonstrate creativity, independence, and the ability to conduct independent research in the pursuit of a PhD.

The employment duration is limited until the end of 2029, corresponding to the end of the research project.

Your future tasks:

• Algorithms to encode data into object behavior.
• Methods to evaluate multimodal perception of data combining visual and haptic senses.
• Techniques to sense user interaction with elastic objects.

Candidates are expected to have the following qualifications:

• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of fabrication and HCI.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team in a collaborative environment.
• Management of complex projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration and presenting research findings.
• Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

In addition, the following specific skills are required/advantageous for this position:

• Relevant Master’s degree in Computer Science (with a specialization in, e.g., HCI, Data Visualization, Digital Fabrication, Computer Graphics, or related).
• Programming skills in state-of-the-art technologies, i.e., Python, C++, CUDA, WebGL, Vulcan, etc.
• Experience with fabrication tools, especially 3D printers.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, e.g., study design, thematic analysis, etc.
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS) or mixed-methods approaches.
• Experience with academic writing and familiarity with publishing processes.
• Curiosity and creativity.

Work-life balance:

Our employees enjoy flexible working hours.

Inspiring working atmosphere:

You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment.

Good public transport connections:

Your workplace is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching:

Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from - free of charge.

Fair salary:

The basic salary of EUR 2.832,10 (for 30 hours/week) increases if we can credit professional experience. It is paid 14 times a year.

Equal opportunities for all:

We welcome every additional/new personality to the team!

• A letter of motivation (1 page).
• Complete CV, including a list of academic achievements (2 pages).
• A transcript of your Master's Curriculum.
• Abstract of your Master's Thesis.
• A research pitch for your idea how to contribute to the H4DES project (1 page).
• With 1-2 names of academic references and their contact addresses (e.g., your Master’s thesis supervisor).

The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Daniel Pahr

[e-mail]

Application deadline: 10/24/2026