We have an open PhD position in Human-Computer Interaction with a focus on intelligent and adaptive systems for
Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and Extended Reality. This research builds on recent work on optimization-based workspace adaptation in VR/MR and aims to
advance interactive systems that dynamically adapt to
user behavior,
preferences, and
intent to optimally support productivity workflows, guided by emerging large language models.
Candidates ideally have a background in
Computer Science and prior experience with human-computer interaction (e.g., through courses or projects), including any of designing interaction techniques, building interactive systems (e.g., Unity3D), or running and analyzing user studies.
Project backgroundMixed Reality promises flexible, personalized work environments anywhere. However, today's XR systems often remain static, failing to account for physical constraints, situational context, or user intent. Based on our prior work, we will develop optimization-based approaches inside immersive 3D systems that
- adapt interfaces to diverse physical environments, input modalities, and ergonomic needs
- adapt MR workflows dynamically to situational context and user goals
As part of the PhD project, we will create
adaptive AR/XR systems that sense, predict, and respond to users in real time with the goal of making AR/XR a practical and productivity-enhancing tool.
Job description - Design and prototype interactive XR environments in Unity3D, both for the use in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality for simulation
- Develop optimization-based adaptation techniques informed by user behavior, preference, and intent
- Extend situation-aware adaptation for workflow support in productivity contexts
- Involve reasoning engines (e.g., large language models/LLM or vision language action models/VLA) to support user interaction
- Conduct user studies to evaluate adaptive interfaces in realistic settings
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team in HCI, perception, and machine learning
- Disseminate findings through publications at top-tier venues (e.g., UIST, CHI, IEEEVR, ISMAR, IEEE TVCG)
ProfileETH requirements:
- written and spoken fluency in English
- an excellent master's degree (MSc., M.Eng. or equivalent) in Computer Science or related field
Requirements for the position:
- strong programming skills (C#, Unity3D, Python, JS)
- experience with interactive system prototyping, AR/VR, or HCI methods
- familiarity with adaptive systems or machine learning
- prior experience conducting user studies
Beneficial
- background in computational interaction or adaptive systes
- knowledge of optimization-based methods or intent prediction
- publications (papers, demos, workshops, or posters) in AR/VR, HCI, or related areas
We offerWe offer an exciting environment and team to study in and work with. Beyond the lab, ETH Zürich has several internationally recognized research groups dedicated to interactive systems, Human-Computer Interaction, AR/VR, and machine learning. In our research, we often collaborate with other groups and departments as well as with several other institutions and companies in Switzerland and abroad.
During your PhD, you will have the opportunity to contribute to and collaborate with the ETH AI Center and engage in ETHAR, ETH's Research Hub for Augmented Reality in collaboration with Google XR.
> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
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