PreDoc New Materalism in Human-Computer Interaction
Join to apply for the PreDoc New Materalism in Human-Computer Interaction role at Universität Salzburg
Responsibilities
* Developing appropriate (design) research methods
* Project management
About the project
Thinking with Things is funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and will start on January 1, 2026. It builds upon the New Materialist “new analytic” of Thinking with Theory, while emphasizing nonhumans that are given shape through and carry knowledge in HCI and Interaction Design research, i.e., (interactive) things. We will employ theory-driven empirical and design research methods, which are targeting a case that is situated in everyday life, and which is characterized by complexity and entanglement between various human and nonhuman actors: relationships between grandparents and grandchildren living apart. We will specifically focus on remote activities that revolve around nature - birds, plants, woods, lakes, mountains, which are, on one hand, often characteristic for such relationships when being outdoors together, collecting leaves, or sharing an interest in animals. On the other hand, they demonstrate the interweaving of humans and other species, animate and inanimate objects and technologies. Through these examples, the project experiments with methods (Research through Design, diffractive readings, qualitative empirical studies, etc.) that give equal attention to humans and nonhumans.
Admission Requirements
You have a master degree in Sociology, Science and Technology Studies, or a related discipline, or you a master degree in Human-Computer Interaction or Interaction Design following a bachelor degree in one of the before mentioned fields
Desired Qualification
* You are knowledgeable in New Materialism, Posthumanism, More-than-Human
* You are fluent in German and English
We offer an annual gross salary of at least € 52,007.20 for a fulltime position. An overpayment based on qualification and experience is possible.
Equality and Diversity Statement
The Paris Lodron University of Salzburg aims to increase the proportion of women in scientific and general university staff, particularly in leadership positions, and therefore explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. In cases of equal qualification, women will be given preference.
People with disabilities or chronic illnesses who meet the required qualification criteria are expressly encouraged to apply. For information, please contact us at +43/662/8044-2462 or at disability@plus.ac.at.
We Offer
* Social and Environmental Responsibility: i.a. bicycle initiatives, art and cultural offerings, sustainability initiative “PLUS Green Campus”
* Comprehensive Financial Benefits: i.a. additional company pension schemes, commuting subsidies, support for the “Klimaticket” (climate ticket), discounts at the USI (University Sports Institute) and the Language Center, numerous corporate cooperations
* Diverse Continuing Education Offerings: i.a. ongoing internal and external training, coaching sessions, Erasmus+ staff training programs
* Life-Phase-Oriented Work: i.a. childcare places for infants, holiday programs, paid lunch breaks, meeting policy
* Health and Preventive Care: i.a. health programs, vaccination and preventive care campaigns, psychological counseling sessions
* Additional Benefits: Click here (German only)
About us
The University of Salzburg is a thriving university in Austria with a strong focus on research. The university stands for outstanding achievements in both research and teaching in the areas of (digital) humanities, life sciences, sustainability of (social) processes and the link between art and science. With the four guiding themes of Art in Context, Development & Sustainability, Digital Life and Health & Mind, the university offers researchers excellent opportunities for inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation.
Organisational Unit
The Human-Computer Interaction Division is part of the department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces at the University of Salzburg. It offers a vibrant research environment with an interdisciplinary and welcoming group of researchers, and an extraordinary research facility that supports various styles of working.
Contact
Human-Computer Interaction Division, University of Salzburg
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Part-time
Job Function
Research
Industries
Higher Education
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