PhD position on Interaction Design of Simulation Games and Geospatial Digital Twins University of Twente in Netherlands

The University of Twente invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the interaction design of simulation games and geospatial digital twins. This research is embedded within the NWO-funded NO REGRETS program, which investigates the ecological and socio-economic impacts of large-scale offshore windfarms in the North Sea. The program aims to develop scientific knowledge, models, and simulation tools to support marine spatial planning through a multi-stakeholder co-creation process.

As a PhD candidate, you will explore how high-fidelity simulation environments—built on gaming technology and geospatial digital twins—support or hinder users in understanding cause–effect relationships and system complexity. You will design and compare interaction and visualization techniques for interpreting detailed, high-resolution information and simulation results. The research is situated in the field of Human-Computer Interaction and will contribute to both general and marine spatial planning contexts.

You will join a collaborative team of 17 PhDs and postdocs across 15 academic institutes, working closely with government, nature organizations, and industry partners. The position is embedded in the Human Centred Design (HCD) chair at the Faculty of Engineering Technology and partnered with the AI, Games & Media group at Breda University of Applied Sciences, developers of the open-source Marine Spatial Planning Challenge simulation platform. You will use this platform to study and advance knowledge on user interaction with high-fidelity geospatial information and simulations, develop scenarios, integrate NO REGRETS data and models, and connect interaction technology to the MSP Challenge.

Your scientific contributions will include advancing understanding of what high-fidelity support systems should offer to facilitate information uptake and cause–effect reasoning in multi-stakeholder settings, as well as designing and testing novel interaction and visualization techniques for simulated worlds. The research will leverage expertise in tangible interaction, spatial augmented reality, and mixed reality applications.

Regular consortium meetings and events within North Sea communities will provide venues for design evaluation and knowledge exchange. You will present your work at national and international conferences and publish in journals and your PhD thesis. The position offers a full-time, four-year contract with a qualifier in the first year, flexible work arrangements, and comprehensive benefits including a competitive salary, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension scheme, generous leave, free sports facilities, and family-friendly policies. You will participate in a training programme through the Twente Graduate School, with a tailored education and supervision plan.

Applicants should hold or be about to obtain a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Technology, or a related field. Strong conceptual thinking, creativity, analytical skills, and experience with quantitative and qualitative research are required. Excellent English and communication skills, social skills, and willingness to collaborate are essential. Teaching contributions and supervision of MSc thesis projects are expected. Backgrounds in tangible and embodied interaction, mixed reality, game engines, 3D modelling, game design, digital twins, and programming are advantageous.

To apply, submit your application via the University of Twente careers portal by January 31, 2026, including a cover letter, CV with courses and grades, and, if applicable, publications and references. Online interviews will be held on February 18, 2026, with a second round in person on March 11, 2026. The project aims to start on May 1, 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Robert-Jan den Haan or Prof. Mascha van der Voort.