Stellenausschreibung

Location

Duisburg

Application area

Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security

PhD position in Technology for Mixed Ability Interaction (w/m/d, No. 171-26)
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As part of the Research Alliance Ruhr, the Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security is bringing the expertise of its universities together to bridge the gaps between Psychology & Social Sciences, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Statistical Learning, and Cybersecurity & Privacy.

Start of employment

as soon as possible

Duration of employment

3 years

Working time

39 h 50 min (100%), full time position, part time is possiblest möglich

Your main tasks

The Inclusive Technology and Collective Engagement Group seeks a PhD researcher to work on the development of novel technologies to helps foster mutual engagement between people with and without disabilities. Our group takes a collaborative participatory approach, seeking to engage users, their families, and other relevant stakeholders to help ensure that technologies fit the needs of the individual, their socio-technical contexts, thus promoting meaningful impact in their daily lives. We are seeking a PhD researcher to explore how AI and other emerging technologies, such as robotics, extended reality, and the Internet of Things, can be leveraged to design novel applications and devices that enable people with and without disabilities to interact, collaborate, and engage in meaningful activities, including play, creative expression, and productive work. This could involve (1) investigating how AI-driven and interactive technologies can mediate social interaction and collaboration between people with and without disabilities across playful, creative, and work-oriented contexts; (2) designing, prototyping, and evaluating novel digital or physical systems that combine AI with emerging technologies such as robotics, extended reality, or IoT to support inclusive participation; and (3) working closely with diverse users through participatory and inclusive research methods to study real-world use, assess impact, and iteratively refine designs. You will join a supportive interdisciplinary research environment, have opportunity to engage in collaborative research with partners in Europe and Japan to contribute towards the creation of technologies which can enable meaningful connections, reduce stigma, and combat loneliness across people with and without disabilities.

Your responsibilities

Take ownership of a defined research direction aligned with the group's themes, working with a high degree of independence and initiative.
Conduct research using methods appropriate to the project and your background — including quantitative and qualitative approaches — and developing tools, prototypes, or other artefacts to explore and demonstrate key ideas.
Publish and present research at top-tier venues and contribute to the academic community.
Collaborate with researchers across disciplines and institutions, contributing to a supportive and engaged research environment.
Contribute to the broader impact of the work, including engagement with organizations for people with disabilities, civil societies, and the public at large.

Your profile

Your profile

Research Areas and Directions

We welcome applicants with a wide range of interests and backgrounds that are relevant to accessibility and inclusive design. Potential topics include (but are not limited to):

AI-Enabled Technologies for Inclusive Shared Play and Leisure
Robotic and Tangible Systems for Collaborative Creative Activities
Extended Reality for Co-Presence and Interaction
Context-Aware Environments for Mutual Exchanges

The specific research direction will be developed collaboratively with the selected candidate, drawing on their interests and strengths while contributing to the group’s overarching aim of designing technologies that foster meaningful engagement, reduce social barriers, and support shared experiences between people with and without disabilities.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including computer science and engineering (e.g. AI/ML, HCI, HRI, NLP, robotics), assistive technology & rehabilitation engineering, game and media design to name a few.

You should have:

A strong Master’s degree (completed, near-completion, or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline
A demonstrated interest in Accessibility and Inclusive Technology
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English
The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting

Whether your strengths lie in technical development, empirical user studies, participatory design, or somewhere else, we encourage you to apply.

We offer you

Successful candidates will join the Inclusive Technology and Collective Engagement Group, which is part of the broader RC-Trust: Research Centre for Trustworthy Data Science and Security. RC-Trust is a multi-university collaboration focusing on developing trustworthy intelligent systems through a human-centered, interdisciplinary approach. Work will also involve collaboration with the Centre for Digital Language Inclusion based at University College London.

Candidates will have access to:

A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
Opportunities to engage with external stakeholders and contribute to the creation of novel tools with direct impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.
Travel opportunities for conferences, workshops, and research collaborations.
A network of researchers, clinical and industry partners, as well as international disability organizations.

This position is embedded in a creative, dynamic, and internationally renowned research environment. Your research will play a crucial role in developing our new Research Centre and promoting trustworthy technology to the general public including marginalized groups. Our extensive international network of researchers and industry partners ensures a seamless transition into your next career step, whether in academia or international research institutions.

We prioritize a balanced and family-friendly work-life relationship, offering options for flexible working hours and part-time remote home-office arrangements.

Application deadline

2026-05-08

Code number

171-26

Application

If you are interested in applying for the position, please provide the usual documents: motivation letter, 1-page summary of your expected project, CV, copies of your certificates, and 2 candidates who can provide a reference letter for you. Applications and requests for information can be sent via email directly to Prof. Dr. Giulia Barbareschi (giulia.barbareschi@uni-due.de) quoting the reference number 171-26.

Information about the job

Further information about the Research Center can be found at: https://rc-trust.ai

Research Alliance Ruhr

As the densest university landscape in Europe, the Metropole Ruhr offers attractive career opportunities for excellent scientists from all over the world.

In order to bundle their top international research on the major challenges facing humanity, the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, the TU Dortmund University and the University of Duisburg-Essen founded the Research Alliance Ruhr in 2021. Four research centres and a college have been established here.

This is the latest development in the long-standing cooperation as the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), a community of 14,000 researchers and 110,000 students.

Learn more

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given referential considered.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.