Researcher

• 100% = 39,83 hours
• Pay grade 13 TV-L
• Initially 3 years; an extension for an additional 18 months is possible

The five-year ENACT Junior Research Group, led by Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer, investigates how smart and autonomous technologies can support social encounters in public space. It brings together Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design Research, and artistic research through speculative and performative approaches. The group collaborates closely with Forum Freies Theater (FFT) Düsseldorf and international artists.

Your tasks:

• Develop and conduct an independent PhD research project in Research through Design, with a focus on Interaction Design and social technologies in urban spaces
• Design and technically implement interactive and experiential prototypes, particularly using Physical Computing
• Develop and explore new interaction concepts for social encounters in public space
• Apply design-oriented and performative prototyping methods
• Collaborate with artists in the Artist-in-Residence programme at FFT Düsseldorf
• Plan, conduct, and analyse empirical studies
• Publish and present research findings in international academic contexts
• Contribute to joint activities of the ENACT Junior Research Group and to the transfer of research into public and professional contexts

Your profile:

• A very good university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Design, Design Research, Media Informatics, or a related field
• Interest in designing interactive technologies and in social interaction
• Practical experience in prototyping interactive systems and/or Physical Computing, e.g. using microcontrollers and prototyping platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi
• Knowledge of or practical experience with design-oriented research methods and user research
• Interest in performative and exploratory forms of prototyping
• Interest in collaborating with artists and practice partners in a transdisciplinary research environment
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Good German language skills are an advantage
• An independent and structured approach to work, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills
• Experience in academic writing is an advantage

Our range of services:

• Support for your academic or artistic qualification in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz), e.g. a PhD
• Close academic supervision with regular research meetings
• Close exchange with Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl's research group in Human-Computer Interaction and Experience Design
• Long-term collaboration with FFT Düsseldorf and artists through the Artist-in-Residence programme
• Interdisciplinary exchange with experts in urban planning, public administration, and robotics
• Opportunities to develop your own interactive prototypes and research formats
• Access to a well-equipped FabLab as well as project funding for prototype development
• Support for international networking, publications, and conference participation
• Professional development and training opportunities at the University of Siegen, particularly through the House of Young Talents
• Opportunities to gain experience in teaching and project work

We look forward to receiving your application by 15.11.2026.

Please apply exclusively via our job portal (https://jobs.uni-siegen.de). Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications in writing or by e-mail.

Your contact person:

Judith Dörrenbächer

0271/740-5270

judith.doerrenbaecher@uni-siegen.de

Equal opportunities and diversity are promoted and embodied at the University of Siegen. The advertisement is explicitly addressed to people of all genders; applications from women will be given special consideration in accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act. We also welcome applications from people with different personal, social, and cultural backgrounds, people with severe disabilities, and people of equal status.