Verena Distler
Just Landed
Posted Yesterday
Doctoral Researcher (Human-Centered Security and Digital Deception) Aalto University in Finland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Starting salary of 3168.20 EUR per month; contract includes occupational health benefits. Two-year fixed-term appointment with option for two-year renewal.
Deadline
Nov 21, 2026
Country
Finland
University
Aalto University
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
University of Texas at Austin
United States
2 weeks ago
Interested in a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction at The University of Texas at Austin ? This post invites prospective applicants to meet researchers at UIST 2026 and discuss research interests and PhD applications. The conversation is with Karthik Mahadevan , Michelle Lam , and Yudai Tanaka . Their interests span a range of technical HCI areas, making this relevant for students interested in interactive systems, human-centered computing, and related computer science research. Event details: Tue...
2 weeks ago
Aalborg University
Denmark
1 month ago
PhD positions are available in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence at Aalborg University , Denmark, in the Department of Computer Science. The project is titled Safeguarding Users’ Cognitive Autonomy in Human-AI Interaction and focuses on how AI systems can support, rather than undermine, independent thinking. The positions are part of the Human Augmentation and Collaboration research group, which works on interactive systems that extend human cognitive, affective, and collaborative capabiliti...
1 month ago
DePaul University
United States
1 month ago
DePaul University is recruiting PhD students for Fall 2027 in usable security and privacy , with a particular interest in social media and online scams . The post is shared by Elijah Bouma-Sims, Assistant Professor at DePaul University, who says he is serving on the admissions committee and looking to advise students in these areas. These are funded positions for the Fall 2027 cycle. The post also notes a winter deadline of October 1st, but funding is not available for that cycle. The main deadl...
1 month ago
Aalborg University
Denmark
1 week ago
PhD Positions in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (Cognitive Autonomy and Human-AI Interaction)
PhD positions in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence at Aalborg University The Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University is inviting applications for two fully funded PhD positions in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence , working with Professor Niels van Berkel in the Human Augmentation and Collaboration research group. The project is titled Safeguarding Users’ Cognitive Autonomy in Human-AI Interaction and focuses on how AI systems can support, rather than undermine, independent ...
1 week ago
Yudai Tanaka
University of Texas at Austin
United States
1 month ago
Yudai Tanaka, Incoming Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Texas at Austin, is recruiting 2–3 funded PhD students for Fall 2027 to join the Symbiotic Interfaces Lab. The lab focuses on symbiotic interfaces, interactive computing, human-computer interaction, and the relationship between computing interfaces and human abilities. The post also highlights related interests at the intersection of computing, neuroscience, and human neural systems. Applicants ...
1 month ago
About this position
This doctoral opening is based in the Humans, Security and Privacy research group in the Department of Computer Science at Aalto University. The project sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, psychology, and human-centered security, with a focus on how people experience security and privacy online and how they respond to digital deception, including social engineering.
The central research theme is how users judge whether a digital request is genuine when convincing messages, voices, and images can be fabricated. The doctoral researcher will investigate everyday social engineering interactions and explore how interface interventions may help people make more informed judgments. The research direction will be developed together with the supervisor, allowing the student to build on personal interests within the project framework.
The role is embedded in an internationally oriented department with a large and active computer science community at Aalto University. The student will work closely with the supervisor and the research group, with opportunities to collaborate across the group’s wider network and with other doctoral researchers. The project combines empirical research with the design and evaluation of user-centered technologies aimed at supporting critical judgment, informed decision-making, and user autonomy.
The position includes research tasks such as reviewing literature, developing realistic research scenarios and measurement protocols, designing studies with human participants, collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, and publishing findings at leading scientific venues. The researcher is also expected to contribute to teaching in line with department practices. The advertised environment emphasizes independent work, collaboration, and ethical research with human participants.
Supervision is provided by Assistant Professor Verena Distler. The position is located at Aalto University’s Otaniemi campus in Espoo, Finland.
Funding details
Starting salary of 3168.20 EUR per month; contract includes occupational health benefits. Two-year fixed-term appointment with option for two-year renewal.
What's required
A relevant master’s degree completed by the employment start date, for example in human–computer interaction, computer science, psychology, social sciences, or a related discipline. Applicants should have a strong interest in the psychological and social aspects of human-centered security and privacy, strong English communication skills for scientific writing and discussion, and experience in at least one of the following: experimental design and analysis, questionnaire development, qualitative interviewing and analysis, or interactive prototyping. Strong organizational skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, sensitivity to participants’ experiences, and an interest in ethical research practice are also expected. The master’s degree must be completed before the contract start date.
How to apply
Submit your application through Aalto’s Workday recruitment system. Upload one PDF containing your CV, a motivation letter (max two pages), transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and contact details for two referees. Apply early because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the post may be filled before the deadline.
ApplyKite TwinLearns as you applyMake your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Professors
Assistant Professor
Finland
Research Interests
Human-computer Interaction
Psychology
Information Technology
Computer Science
Privacy
ApplyKite TwinLearns as you applyMake your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.