Researcher (m/f/d) - Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping

Opportunita; Wilhelmshausen; Hybrid; EUR 52.000 - 68.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

FabLab access

Prototype development funding

International collaboration with FFT

Zusammenfassung

The University of Siegen invites applications for a Researcher (m/f/d) in Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping. You will pursue an independent PhD project within the ENACT Junior Research Group, focusing on interaction design and social technologies in urban spaces, and will prototype using microcontrollers and platforms like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi.

The role includes empirical studies, collaboration with artists, and publication of results in international contexts.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (HCI, Interaction Design, Design, Design Research, Media Informatics)
• Interest in interactive technologies and social interaction
• Experience with prototyping interactive systems or Physical Computing (microcontrollers)
• Knowledge of design-oriented research methods and user research
• Interest in performative and exploratory prototyping methods
• Collaborative transdisciplinary work with artists and partners

Aufgaben

• Develop and conduct an independent PhD research project in Research through Design
• Design and implement interactive prototypes using Physical Computing
• Explore interaction concepts for social encounters in urban public space
• Apply performative prototyping methods and collaborate with FFT Düsseldorf
• Plan and analyze empirical studies and publish findings

Kenntnisse

HCI

Interaction Design

Prototyping

Physical Computing

Ausbildung

Master's degree in HCI/Design

Tools

Arduino

ESP32

Raspberry Pi

Jobbeschreibung

# Researcher (m/f/d) - Interaction Design & Physical PrototypingUniversität Siegen Siegen, GermanyApplication Deadline: **November 15, 2026**Position Type: **Researcher**Date Posted: **November 5, 2026**Department: **III: School of Economic Disciplines**Contact Email: **[e-mail]**Source details may be limited## Project Description**Area:** Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines | **Job scope:** full-time | **Duration of employment****:** limited | **Posting-ID:** 7165The University of Siegen is a modern university with an international orientation and a focus on interdisciplinary research. It currently has around 14,000 students and covers a range of research fields from the humanities, social and economic sciences to natural sciences, engineering and life sciences. With over 2,000 employees, the university is one of the largest employers in the region and offers a unique environment for teaching, study, research and knowledge transfer.### **We seek:**In the Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines, , we are looking for a researcher as of the 01.04.2027 at the following conditions:* 100% = 39,83 hours* Pay grade 13 TV-L* Initially 3 years; an extension for an additional 18 months is possibleThe five-year ENACT Junior Research Group, led by Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer, investigates how smart and autonomous technologies can support social encounters in public space. It brings together Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design Research, and artistic research through speculative and performative approaches. The group collaborates closely with Forum Freies Theater (FFT) Düsseldorf and international artists.### **Your tasks:*** Develop and conduct an independent PhD research project in Research through Design, with a focus on Interaction Design and social technologies in urban spaces* Design and technically implement interactive and experiential prototypes, particularly using Physical Computing* Develop and explore new interaction concepts for social encounters in public space* Apply design-oriented and performative prototyping methods* Collaborate with artists in the Artist-in-Residence programme at FFT Düsseldorf* Plan, conduct, and analyse empirical studies* Publish and present research findings in international academic contexts* Contribute to joint activities of the ENACT Junior Research Group and to the transfer of research into public and professional contexts### **Your profile:*** A very good university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Design, Design Research, Media Informatics, or a related field* Interest in designing interactive technologies and in social interaction* Practical experience in prototyping interactive systems and/or Physical Computing, e.g. using microcontrollers and prototyping platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi* Knowledge of or practical experience with design-oriented research methods and user research* Interest in performative and exploratory forms of prototyping* Interest in collaborating with artists and practice partners in a transdisciplinary research environment* Excellent spoken and written English* Good German language skills are an advantage* An independent and structured approach to work, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills* Experience in academic writing is an advantage### **Our range of services:*** Support for your academic or artistic qualification in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (*Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz*), e.g. a PhD* Close exchange with Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl’s research group in Human-Computer Interaction and Experience Design* Long-term collaboration with FFT Düsseldorf and artists through the Artist-in-Residence programme* Interdisciplinary exchange with experts in urban planning, public administration, and robotics* Opportunities to develop your own interactive prototypes and research formats* Access to a well-equipped FabLab as well as project funding for prototype development* Support for international networking, publications, and conference participation* Professional development and training opportunities at the University of Siegen, particularly through the House of Young Talents* Opportunities to gain experience in teaching and project work* A good work-life balance, including flexible working hours and work locations as well as childcare supportWe look forward to receiving your application by 15.11.2026.Please apply exclusively via our job portal (jobs.uni-siegen.de). Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications in writing or by e-mail.### **Your contact person:**Judith Dörrenbächer0271/[e-mail] opportunities and diversity are promoted and embodied at the University of Siegen. The advertisement is explicitly addressed to people of all genders; applications from women will be given special consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. We also welcome applications from people with different personal, social, and cultural backgrounds, people with severe disabilities, and people of equal status.