PhD Doctoral Researcher in Games in Science Communication and Immunology University of Bamberg in Germany

Doctoral Researcher (PhD) in Games in Science Communication at the University of Bamberg, Germany.

This opening is part of the DFG Collaborative Research Center SFB 1755 CASCAID and the Gamification Research Group in the Department of Information Systems. The project focuses on designing and studying games for science communication and patient communication, especially around immunology, autoimmune diseases, and innovative therapeutic approaches.

The successful candidate will help co-create the “Immunoverse”, a metaverse-style environment for immunology research and outreach. The work includes designing and developing interactive multiplayer games on platforms such as Roblox, conducting empirical studies on how game design affects understanding, engagement, social dynamics, and attitudes toward medical research, and deriving design knowledge for effective serious games.

Research themes include games, gamification, human-computer interaction, virtual worlds, VR, design science research, participatory design, and science communication. The position is interdisciplinary and connects psychology, design, computer science, and medical communication.

Eligibility highlights: a very good master’s degree or equivalent in business information systems, media informatics, game design, media psychology, psychology with IT relevance, HCI, or a related field; experience with empirical and design-oriented methods is preferred; game development experience with Roblox Studio, Unity3D, Unreal, or Minecraft is an advantage; very good English is required.

Funding: paid doctoral researcher position, 100% TV-L E13, initially fixed-term until 31.12.2029.

Application deadline: 31 July 2026.

How to apply: email your application to Prof. Dr. Benedikt Morschheuser with cover letter, CV, certificates, recent academic writing samples, and publications if available.