Ola Knutsson

Stockholm University’s Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) is offering a PhD position in Computer and Systems Sciences with a focus on Human–Computer Interaction and the Design of AI User Interfaces . The project sits in a strong international research environment at DSV in Kista, Stockholm, where doctoral students work alongside senior researchers and connect with collaborators in Sweden and abroad. The research topic addresses how users will interact with current and future AI systems. Rather than assuming chatbots are the only interface, the project explores a broader landscape of AI interaction, including transparency, visualization, interactivity, and user control for AI agents that can interpret goals, plan actions, and adapt over time. The work is explicitly human-centred and design-oriented, with a focus on creating research outputs that contribute both theoretical and practical insights. The doctoral project will involve designing and building working prototypes, then evaluating them through empirical studies in varied usage contexts. A co-design methodology is considered desirable, and the project is well suited to someone interested in interface design, prototyping, and the study of human–AI interaction in real-world settings. The description also highlights the growing opportunity created by edge AI and local AI models, which make new interface prototyping more accessible than before. The successful candidate will join a vibrant academic community with interdisciplinary collaboration, seminars, and scientific exchange across academia and industry. In addition to a competitive salary and wellness benefits, the position offers support for books, conference travel, and broader professional development. This is a full-time, fixed-term doctoral employment of up to four years, with the possibility of renewals in line with Swedish doctoral employment rules. Eligibility requirements include a second-cycle degree or equivalent studies totaling at least 240 higher education credits, with at least 60 credits at second-cycle level. In addition, applicants must have completed second-cycle courses in Computer and Systems Sciences totaling at least 60 higher education credits, a degree project of at least 15 credits, and English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2. Selection is based on academic readiness, research maturity, independence, communication skills, cooperation skills, and relevance of subject knowledge. The application must be submitted via Stockholm University’s recruitment system before the deadline of 15 October 2026. Applicants should attach a personal letter, CV, and the documents requested in the application form. The university recommends that application documents be written in English.