PhD Project in Human-Computer Interaction for Behaviour Change in Extended Reality

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a fully-funded PhD Project in Human-Computer Interaction for Behaviour Change in Extended Reality.

Start date is 1 June 2026 or thereafter.

Overview
Extended Reality (XR) technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), enable experiences that are impossible in the physical world (e.g., visualizing future environments or embodying a different body). Research suggests that such experiences can influence behaviour both inside and outside XR environments. For example, the Proteus effect suggests that users’ behaviour can be influenced by the characteristics of the avatars they embody. Furthermore, studies indicate that visualizing the consequences of one’s actions may promote future-oriented behaviours (e.g., climate-friendly choices).

The PhD Project
This PhD project will work towards identifying, investigating, and evaluating the underlying mechanisms of XR as a behaviour change technology. Specifically, it will explore how XR qualities (e.g., embodiment and presence) affect behaviour and how XR can be leveraged to encourage positive change. Within this topic, the PhD student will have much freedom to shape the focus of their work and the research questions they are interested in. The specific research direction will be developed together with the PhD student. Possible directions include (but are not limited to): studying how XR qualities influence perspective-taking in VR/AR, exploring stated-preference methods for XR-based behaviour change, personalizing behaviour change interventions using generative AI, systematically investigating benefits of XR on improving behaviour change techniques.

Methods
The PhD project is in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). It has a strong technical focus and its two main methods are: (1) prototype development and implementation for VR and AR (e.g., using Unity) and (2) evaluation of prototypes through user studies using quantitative and qualitative methods. Furthermore, it includes critical engagement with HCI and behavioural science literature.

The principal supervisor is Professor Kasper Hornbæk, [email protected]; the project is led by Assistant Professor, Teresa Hirzle, [email protected].

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with knowledge and interest in the field(s) Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Centred Computing, and Extended Reality (Virtual Reality and/or Augmented Reality).

• The project requires strong programming skills, a deep interest in human-computer interaction and immersive technologies, and enthusiasm for engaging with behavioural science literature. General qualifications:
• Master (Option A below) or Bachelor (Option B below) degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer interaction, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills in software development for VR/AR (for instance C# and Unity3D or Unreal Engine) and analysis/scripting
• A curious mind-set with a strong interest in designing technologies, engaging with behaviour change literature, and in technology-driven behaviour change
• Experience with user interface design and/or designing and performing user studies is helpful
• Strong team working and critical thinking skills
• Strong English language skills
• Relevant publications, if any

The research environment
The project’s funding comes from the Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence, a 5-university Danish research endeavor, and the Human-Centered Computing research section at the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Computer Science. Both the centre and research section are highly international and well-funded, working on a broad range of fundamental research topics.

This position offers an opportunity to join a globally recognized, highly ambitious, creative, collaborative, and fun group of international researchers working at the forefront of human–computer interaction. Our Human-Centered Computing section aspires to be a top research group for human-computer interaction that bridges technology, theory, and empirical studies. We have a regular presence at top-ranking HCI venues (e.g., CHI, TOCHI) and do well in rankings, such as CSRankings: Computer Science Rankings. We are currently 12 faculty, and a large and active group of PhD fellows and postdocs (>20) for peer-support and to engage with in social activities.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions and significant freedom in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include virtual and augmented reality headsets and tracking tools (Varjo XR-3, Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, Optitrack, etc.) and a modern fabrication space (3D printers, laser cutters, electronics tools, 3D scanners, etc.).

Copenhagen is a vibrant city, with many cultural offerings and easy access to the rest of Europe. For more information about working in Denmark, consult International Staff Mobility or write to Michelle Løkkegaard, Chief Operating Officer at the Pioneer Centre for AI, [email protected].

The PhD programme
Depending of your level of education, you can undertake the PhD programme as either:

Option A: A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Option B: An up to five year full-time study programme within the framework of the integrated MSc and PhD programme (the 3+5 scheme), if you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree – but you have an education equivalent to a Danish bachelors´s degree.

Option A: Getting into a position on the regular PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Computer Science, Human-Computer interaction, or a related field. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Option B: Getting into a position on the integrated MSc and PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the integrated MSc and PhD programme
If you do not have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master´s degree, you might be qualified for the integrated MSc and PhD programme, if you have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish bachelor´s degree. Here you can find out, if that is relevant for you: General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of the integrated programme
To be eligible for the integrated scholarship, you are (or are eligible to be) enrolled at one of the faculty’s master programmes in Computer Science.

Students on the integrated programme will enroll as PhD students simultaneously with completing their enrollment in this MSc degree programme.

The duration of the integrated programme is up to five years, and depends on the amount of credits that you have passed on your MSc programme. For further information about the study programme, please see: The Integrated PhD Programme – University of Copenhagen.

Until the MSc degree is obtained, (when exactly two years of the full 3+5 programme remains), the grant will be paid partly in the form of 48 state education grant portions (in Danish: “SU-klip”) plus salary for work (teaching, supervision etc.) totalling a workload of 150 working hours per year.

When you have obtained the MSc degree, you will transfer to the salary-earning part of the scholarship for a period of two years. At that point, the terms of employment and payment will be according to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

(ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in Human-Computing Interaction
• Good language skills

Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) detailing your motivation and background for applying for this PhD position;
• Research Statement (max. 1 page excl. references) detailing your desired research focus and goals for the PhD studies within the scope of the specified position. The research statement should demonstrate your independent thinking by outlining a concrete research direction within Extended Reality Behaviour Change you wish to explore, including: specific research questions you aim to address, preliminary ideas on methodological approaches you would employ, connections to existing literature, and the potential impact and applications. As we are interested in your ideas, please do not use AI for this part;
• Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position;
• Original diplomas for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted;
• Publication list (if available);
• Reference letters (if available).

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process here.

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in early March.

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

Københavns Universitet giver sine knap 10.000 medarbejdere muligheder for at udnytte deres talent fuldt ud i et ambitiøst, uformelt miljø. Vi sikrer traditionsrige og moderne rammer om uddannelser og fri forskning på højt internationalt niveau. Vi søger svar og løsninger på fælles problemer og gør ny viden tilgængelig og nyttig for andre.

Kontakt
Teresa Hirzle
E-mail: [email protected]

Kontakt
Kasper Hornbæk
E-mail: [email protected]

Info
Ansøgningsfrist: 01-02-2026

Ansættelsesdato: 02-06-2026

Arbejdstid: Fuldtid

Afdeling/Sted: Department of Computer Science