Postdoctoral researcher in Human-Computer Interaction

Göteborgs universitet; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Gothenburg is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in human-computer interaction to design and develop digital interventions aimed at supporting sustainable return to work. The candidate will focus on projects related to individuals on sick leave due to mental health conditions.

Key responsibilities include crafting prototypes and conducting user studies. Candidates must possess a PhD in a relevant field and excellent English communication skills. The position is full-time for two years, starting in October 2026.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as HCI or computer science.
• Experience in designing and developing digital interventions.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop digital interventions and prototypes.
• Integrate user needs and clinical perspectives into design.
• Plan and conduct user studies and evaluations.

Skills

Human-Computer Interaction

Design and Development of Digital Systems

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

User-Centered Design

Mobile Applications Development

Excellent Communication Skills

Education

PhD in HCI, Interaction Design, Informatics, or relevant field

Tools

Data Visualization Tools

Web and Mobile Development Frameworks

Job description

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

About the Department

At the Department of Applied Information Technology, we conduct critical and interdisciplinary research of the highest quality in an international environment with great relevance to society. We offer popular programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels, grounded in research and societal development, providing excellent employment opportunities. Our researchers are at the heart of the debate, contributing to the explanation and problematisation of IT and societal challenges associated with society's digitalisation. Here, people's knowledge and ability to analyse, understand, and manage various aspects of IT, as well as the interaction between humans and technology, are developed in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, "Twin transition," blockchain, digital governance, digital innovation, e-health, the Internet of Things, mobile communication, robots, social media, and IT in schools and education.

About the Division of CLIC

The Division of Cognition, Learning & IT, Interaction Design, and Communication (CLIC) brings researchers with expertise in interaction design, human–computer interaction (HCI), cognitive science, and digital media together. It offers a dynamic and international research environment with strong connections to societally relevant issues and close collaboration with external actors in the public sector, healthcare, industry, and civil society.

About the Research Centre UGot ReWork

UGot ReWork is an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Gothenburg funded by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (Forte). It brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to develop knowledge on sustainable return to work, with a particular focus on mental health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders. The centre offers an international and collaborative research environment with high societal relevance.

Subject Area

Human-Computer Interaction

Subject Area Description

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary research field that studies the design, development, and use of interactive digital systems in relation to human needs, behaviours, and social contexts. It encompasses theories, methods, and practices for designing technologies that are usable, meaningful, and relevant in different contexts, with a particular focus on the interplay between humans and technology.

Job Assignments

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in human–computer interaction with strong expertise in the design and development of digital systems. The position is part of a work package within the UGot ReWork centre, aiming to design, develop, evaluate, and implement digital interventions that support sustainable return to work for individuals on sick leave due to mental health conditions or musculoskeletal disorders. The work is research-driven and exploratory, where design and development of digital solutions form a central part of the research process. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to translating research ideas and needs from healthcare and workplace contexts into functional digital systems, prototypes, and interventions.

Responsibilities

• Design and development of digital interventions, prototypes, and research systems
• Development of mobile applications, web applications, or other interactive systems
• Development of tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization linked to interventions
• Integration of user needs, user context, clinical perspectives, and research questions in the design process
• Planning and conducting user studies and evaluations of developed solutions

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with researchers from multiple disciplines, including HCI, information systems, medicine, psychology, sociology, and public health, as well as with external stakeholders in healthcare and other relevant sectors. The role requires the ability to work interdisciplinarily and develop technical solutions in dialogue with non-technical stakeholders. As a postdoctoral researcher, you are also expected to contribute to an active and stimulating research environment, participate in seminars and joint activities, and contribute to external research applications. The position offers good opportunities to further develop an independent research profile within HCI and digital health.

Eligibility

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant must have a doctoral degree (art or foreign degree deemed equivalent). Applicants who completed their degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline are considered first. Those with a longer interval may also be considered if special grounds exist (e.g., leave of absence, parental leave, union service, defence service, clinical service relevant to the subject area).

Assessment Criteria

• A PhD in a relevant field such as HCI, interaction design, informatics, computer science, or equivalent
• Documented experience in designing, developing, and implementing functional digital systems, applications, or research prototypes, demonstrated through previous projects, publications, or code repositories
• Experience in planning and conducting studies or evaluations of digital systems (e.g., user studies or intervention studies)
• Proven ability to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• Meritorious qualifications: focus on digital health, eHealth, or working life research, and experience with digital interventions in healthcare, rehabilitation, or other societal contexts
• Experience developing mobile and web applications or other interactive systems, including data collection, processing, or visualization
• Experience working in research projects and/or interdisciplinary research environments in collaboration with different stakeholders
• Knowledge of design approaches such as participatory design and user-centred design, as well as user experience work
• Knowledge of Swedish (the project involves collaboration with Swedish stakeholders and participants)

Employment

The position is a fixed-term employment of two years, 100% full time, and is placed at the Department of Applied Information Technology. The start date is 2026-10-01, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Contact Information

For questions about the position, please contact Alexandra Weilenmann ([e-mail]).