Panos Markopoulos

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on responsible extended reality (XR) design for young children, aiming to develop novel, child-appropriate multisensory XR experiences that avoid the risks associated with current commercial XR technologies. The project is a collaboration between TU/e and Institut Polytechnique de Paris, offering a unique opportunity to bridge child-computer interaction, computer science, design, and games research. The research will address child-specific risk factors in XR, such as physical discomfort, over-immersion, and ethical concerns, by creating XR solutions that do not rely on displays or headsets. As a PhD candidate, you will explore how visual-centric XR can be replaced with other modalities, including wearable haptics, audio, and gesture-based interactions, to foster safer and more engaging experiences for children. The project involves co-designing non-visual interaction concepts with children and stakeholders, implementing these designs in various cases, and evaluating them through user studies. You will collaborate internationally, including a 6-month research visit at the DIVA group, Télécom Paris, and have opportunities to publish in top-tier venues such as CHI, CHIPLAY, IDC, and TOCHI. The Department of Industrial Design at TU/e provides a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment, integrating engineering, design, business, and social sciences. The university is located in Brainport Eindhoven, a world-leading tech region renowned for innovation in AI, photonics, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. TU/e offers a vibrant academic community, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare and sports facilities, and comprehensive support for international candidates. Employment conditions include a four-year full-time contract, competitive salary (scale P: €3,059–€3,881/month), year-end bonus, vacation pay, pension scheme, paid parental leave, and allowances for commuting and home working. International candidates benefit from a tax compensation scheme and dedicated immigration support. You will spend at least 10% of your time on teaching tasks, with access to high-quality training programs to develop as an autonomous scientific researcher. Applicants must have a master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field, strong programming skills (C#, Python), experience in game/XR development (Unity), and fluency in English (C1). Preferred qualifications include experience with multimodal interaction, background in psychology or educational technologies, and fluency in Dutch or French. The application process requires a cover letter, CV, MSc thesis or publications, transcripts, and references. Applications are accepted online until the position is filled, with priority given to complete submissions. For further information, contact Dr. Sebastian Cmentowski ([email protected]) or [email protected]. Apply via the official link provided. Join TU/e to contribute to innovative, ethical XR solutions for children and advance your research career in a leading international university.

Join the THRIVE project at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and contribute to the development of AI-driven lifestyle coaching solutions for people with severe mental illnesses. This 4-year PhD position is part of a collaborative effort between TU/e, TNO Health & Work, and partners across the Netherlands, aiming to bridge human-computer interaction, computer science, design, and behavior change. Severe mental illness (SMI), including conditions like bipolar disorder and recurrent major depression, affects nearly 300,000 people in the Netherlands and significantly impacts their quality of life. While healthy lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management are recommended, their implementation is often too demanding and costly for professionals. The THRIVE project seeks to address this gap by developing a personalized, AI-driven lifestyle coaching solution accessible via smartphones, delivering just-in-time guidance integrated into daily routines. As a PhD candidate, you will establish a data collection infrastructure using ecological momentary assessments, digital diaries, and wearables to gather mental health-influencing factors. You will extend state-of-the-art tools and AI libraries developed at TU/e, such as GameBus and Experiencer, to support this data collection. The data will be used to develop predictive AI models that tailor coaching content and timing to individual needs. On the frontend, you will further develop a lifestyle coaching system that incorporates behavior change and gamification strategies, using conversational interfaces to adapt to individual goals and needs. The intervention will be evaluated in a feasibility study with clinical partners and prepared for integration into care practice. Your role includes collaborating with academic, industrial, and societal partners, working part-time at TNO Health & Work’s office in Leiden, and publishing your research at leading venues. You will be supervised by Sebastian Cmentowski, Pieter van Gorp, and Panos Markopoulos at TU/e, and Hilde van Keulen and Pepijn van Empelen at TNO Health & Work. Applicants should have a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field, strong programming and app/web development skills, and affinity for working with people with mental illnesses. Excellent communication, planning skills, and fluency in English and Dutch (C1 level) are required. The position offers full-time employment for four years, competitive salary and benefits, high-quality training programs, and support for international candidates. To apply, submit your application online with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered. The vacancy remains open until filled, with a deadline of May 31, 2026. For more information, contact Sebastian Cmentowski at [email protected] or visit the TU/e website. Discover more about the university, the Brainport Eindhoven region, and the Department of Industrial Design, which excels at integrating engineering, design, business, and social sciences in research and education.

Call for applications for a fully funded PhD in Responsible XR Design for Young Children at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) , in collaboration with Institut Polytechnique de Paris . This project sits at the intersection of extended reality (XR) , human-computer interaction (HCI) , child-computer interaction (CCI) , computer science , industrial design , and games research . The research addresses a timely challenge: current XR technologies such as VR headsets are often unsuitable for young children because they can be too heavy, overly immersive, and ethically problematic. The PhD will investigate child-specific risk factors and develop a new form of child-appropriate XR that does not rely on displays or headsets. The work includes exploring non-visual and multisensory interaction concepts such as wearable haptics , audio , and gestures , with a strong focus on safety, ethics, and developmental appropriateness. The successful candidate will co-design solutions with children, families, and professionals, prototype and evaluate novel interaction concepts, and conduct user studies. The project is expected to contribute to top venues such as CHI , CHI PLAY , IDC , and TOCHI . A 6-month research visit at the DIVA group, Télécom Paris is included, along with opportunities for international collaboration. Eligibility highlights include a master’s degree in HCI , Computer Science , Industrial Design , or a related field; strong programming skills (e.g., C# , Python , Unity ); interest in XR, design, or child interaction; and fluent English at C1 level. Experience with multimodal interaction, psychology, education technologies, or interaction design is appreciated. Dutch and French are listed as additional advantages. Funding is fully covered through a 4-year PhD appointment. The salary is €3,059–€3,881 per month , with standard Dutch university benefits, training and career development support, campus facilities, and possible tax advantages for international candidates. The application deadline is 22 April 2026 . Applicants should submit a motivation letter, CV, MSc thesis or publications, and academic transcripts through the online application portal.