PhD Position in Driver Behavior Modeling, Human-Computer Interaction, Explainable AI, and Automated Driving Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt in Germany

Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), through the CARISSMA Institute of Automated Driving (C-IAD), is recruiting a PhD candidate for research in Driver Behavior Modeling and human-centered automated mobility systems.

The position is part of the newly funded DFG Research Impulse “Beyond Validation AI”, an interdisciplinary initiative focused on safety, uncertainty, and trustworthy AI in connected and automated mobility. The project combines Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Explainable AI, Machine Learning, Automated Driving, and behavioral research.

Research topics include driver and vulnerable road user behavior modeling, cognitive modeling and decision-making, traffic psychology, eye tracking, psychophysiology, motion capture, VR/MR studies, driving simulator experiments, and real-world studies. The role also involves developing and evaluating machine-learning and XAI methods as well as innovative human-machine interfaces for automated driving.

Applicants should have an M.Sc. or equivalent in Computer Science, Human Factors, Psychology, AI, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. Strong analytical and programming skills are expected, together with experience in experimental research and quantitative analysis. Very good English (C1 or equivalent) is required; German at B2 is advantageous.

The position is fully funded as a TV-L E13 PhD role and is available until 31.12.2029. THI offers access to advanced research infrastructure including driving simulators, VR/MR environments, eye tracking, motion capture, and psychophysiological sensing systems, plus flexible working conditions and home-office options.

Application deadline: 2026-07-13.

Apply via the linked THI application page and submit the required documents before the deadline.