Fully Funded PhD in Human–Computer Interaction and Urban Interfaces at University of Sydney University of Sydney in Australia

The University of Sydney is offering a fully funded PhD position in Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) within the Urban Interfaces Lab, under the supervision of ARC DECRA Fellow and Lecturer Callum Parker. The research is part of an Australian Research Council (ARC) DECRA project focused on developing a rapid design toolkit for context-aware external human-machine interfaces (eHMIs), which are crucial for communication between autonomous vehicles and pedestrians in complex urban environments.

The PhD project will explore context-aware AV–pedestrian interactions, leveraging advanced technologies such as haptic feedback, spatial audio, and mixed reality. The goal is to generate new knowledge and design principles for safe and inclusive eHMIs, ultimately contributing to the future of autonomous vehicle integration in cities. The research will involve both qualitative and quantitative methods, and candidates will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge XR technologies and contribute to high-impact publications in HCI and related fields.

Applicants should possess an excellent Honours or Master’s degree in HCI, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline. Essential skills include strong coding abilities (preferably in Unity or Unreal), experience with XR technologies, and a background in both qualitative and quantitative research. A first-author publication in HCI or a related venue is highly desirable.

The scholarship is fully funded, providing a tuition waiver and a tax-free stipend of $41,753 AUD per year. The ideal start date is by mid-2026. Interested candidates should send their CV and a short research statement (up to 250 words) to Dr. Callum Parker at [email protected] by March 15, 2026. For more information, candidates can refer to the supervisor’s LinkedIn profile or the official University of Sydney website.

Keywords: Human–Computer Interaction, Urban Interfaces, Autonomous Vehicles, External Human-Machine Interfaces, Haptic Feedback, Spatial Audio, Mixed Reality, Context-Aware Systems, Interaction Design, XR Technologies.