PhD Researcher, HCI & Visualization Research

Autodesk, Inc; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 13,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Autodesk, Inc. is offering a 16-week Canada/USA internship within the Future AI Experiences and HCI & Visualization groups. You’ll work with mentors to pursue a research project in human-computer interaction or data visualization, delivering prototypes, experiments, and analyses.

The program emphasizes flexibility in office, remote, and hybrid settings. You will contribute to literature reviews, algorithm development, usability studies, and a final research paper and presentation, with strong

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or related field with an HCI specialization.
• Strong publications in interactive technologies.
• Excellent written and spoken communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop software prototypes and explore concepts.
• Conduct literature reviews and gather requirements.
• Develop algorithms and test concepts through prototypes and experiments.
• Evaluate usability and measure cognitive aspects of interaction.
• Prepare and present research findings and papers.

Skills

Interactive tech

Communication

Teamwork

Software prototyping

Experimental design

Data analysis

Rapid prototyping

Self-driven

Broad hardware integration

Education

PhD in Computer Science (HCI)

Tools

Unity/Unreal Engine

Web frameworks (React/Next.js, Node.js/Flask)

AR/VR platforms (Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro)

3D graphics programming

Windows/macOS development

Job description

Job ID26WD101057DepartmentCanada - Time TrackingJob Requisition ID #26WD101057Position OverviewGraduate internships will explore new areas of technology and help Autodesk (as well as the academic community) understand how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve creation and design processes. Within the Future AI Experiences and HCI & Visualization research groups, you and your mentor(s) will arrive at a mutually agreed upon research project in the area of human-computer interaction or data visualization. Over the course of the internship, you will drive that project forward with guidance from your mentor(s), including implementation, experimental validation, data analysis, etc. Specific areas of interest for research projects include: Human-AI Collaboration, Agentic Co-Creation, User Interfaces for Generative AI or Machine Learning Systems, Information Visualization, Software Learning, Future of Work, Generative Design Tools, Interactive Fabrication, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality.Based in Canada or USA.ResponsibilitiesSupport the research and design efforts by developing software prototypes and explore conceptsConduct literature reviewsGather requirements and issues to explore and designDevelop algorithmsBuild prototypes to test and explore conceptsConduct experiments to test research ideas and hypothesesMeasure human performance and cognition limitations related to interaction with technologyConduct usability studies, ethnographic studies, heuristic evaluations, task analyses, structured interviews and surveysEvaluate research findings and prototypes to make recommendations for impacting business and products.Explore new prototyping frameworks and technologiesAuthor a full research paperProduce an accompanying research videoPresent the results of your research externally and internallyMinimum QualificationsCurrently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or related field, with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction, and at least one academic term to complete post internshipDemonstrated expertise in the area of interactive technologies, with peer-reviewed publications on the topic in international venuesStrong communication skills and teamwork experienceVery strong technical skills in building software prototypesPreferred QualificationsExperience with modern generative AI tools and frameworks (e.g., GPT, Llama, Stable Diffusion, ComfyUI)Experience with web development and frameworks (e.g., React/Next.js, Node.js/Flask, etc.).Experience interfacing with unique hardware modulesExperience developing software in a Windows or MacOS environmentExperience developing software for AR or VR equipment (e.g., Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro)Experience with programming 3D graphics, Unity, Unreal EngineExperimental design and data analysisRapid prototypingAbility to work effectively as a member of a team; ability to work with minimum supervision, self-drivenAbility to deal with requirements from multiple sources and find solutions and deal with conflicts and compromises in a diplomatic mannerAbility to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with other teamsAbility to write clear, concise, correct technical materialAbout the Canada Intern ProgramThe 2027 Research Internship Program is a 16-week paid program running from May 24th to Sept 10 2027. You’ll contribute to meaningful projects, learn from industry leaders, and take part in tech talks and development opportunities. Internships align with Autodesk’s Flexible Workplace approach, supporting office, remote, and hybrid work based on business and team needs.Learn MoreAbout AutodeskWelcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.When you’re an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!Salary transparencySalary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience, educational level, and geographic location.BelongingWe take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belongingIn-Person Onboarding and Identity VerificationThis role may require in-person onboarding and/or in-person ID verification.