Researcher (m/f/d) - Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping

<span class="jobdescription"><p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Area:</b> Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines  | <b>Job scope: </b>full-time<b> </b> | <b>Duration of employment</b><b>:</b> <span contenteditable="false" tabindex="-1">limited</span>  | <b>Posting-ID:</b> <span contenteditable="false" tabindex="-1">7165</span> </span></span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align:justify"><img src="https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/a6feced7-14a3-4586-9ac9-f.jpg" style="width:100%"></p> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The University of Siegen is a modern university with an international orientation and a focus on interdisciplinary research. It currently has around 14,000 students and covers a range of research fields from the humanities, social and economic sciences to natural sciences, engineering and life sciences. With over 2,000 employees, the university is one of the largest employers in the region and offers a unique environment for teaching, study, research and knowledge transfer.</span></span></p> <div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:24.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><h2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>We seek:</b></h2> </div><div><p style="margin-bottom:15.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">In the Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines, , we are looking for a researcher</span> &nbsp;<span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">as of the 01.04.2027</span> <span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">&nbsp;at the following conditions:</span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:15.0px;text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">100% = 39,83 hours</span> <span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">&nbsp;</span> </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span><span style="font-family:Calibri, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">Pay grade 13</span> <span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif">&nbsp;TV-L</span> </span></span></span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:14.0pt">Initially 3 years; an extension for an additional 18 months is possible</li> </ul> <p style="text-align:justify;font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-size:14.0pt">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.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:24.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><h2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Your tasks:</b></h2> </div><div><ul> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Develop and conduct an independent PhD research project in Research through Design, with a focus on Interaction Design and social technologies in urban spaces</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Design and technically implement interactive and experiential prototypes, particularly using Physical Computing</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Develop and explore new interaction concepts for social encounters in public space</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Apply design-oriented and performative prototyping methods</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Collaborate with artists in the Artist-in-Residence programme at FFT Düsseldorf</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Plan, conduct, and analyse empirical studies</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Publish and present research findings in international academic contexts</span></li> <li style="margin-top:0.0cm;margin-right:0.0cm;margin-bottom:0.0cm;font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Contribute to joint activities of the ENACT Junior Research Group and to the transfer of research into public and professional contexts</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:24.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><h2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Your profile:</b></h2> </div><div><ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">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</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Interest in designing interactive technologies and in social interaction</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Practical experience in prototyping interactive systems and/or Physical Computing, e.g. using microcontrollers and prototyping platforms such as Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Knowledge of or practical experience with design-oriented research methods and user research</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Interest in performative and exploratory forms of prototyping</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Interest in collaborating with artists and practice partners in a transdisciplinary research environment</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Excellent spoken and written English</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Good German language skills are an advantage</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">An independent and structured approach to work, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Experience in academic writing is an advantage</span></li> </ul></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:24.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><h2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Our range of services:</b></h2> </div><div><ul> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Support for your academic or artistic qualification in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (<em>Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz</em>), e.g. a PhD</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Close exchange with Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl’s research group in Human-Computer Interaction and Experience Design</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Long-term collaboration with FFT Düsseldorf and artists through the Artist-in-Residence programme</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Interdisciplinary exchange with experts in urban planning, public administration, and robotics</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Opportunities to develop your own interactive prototypes and research formats</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Access to a well-equipped FabLab as well as project funding for prototype development</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Support for international networking, publications, and conference participation</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Professional development and training opportunities at the University of Siegen, particularly through the House of Young Talents</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">Opportunities to gain experience in teaching and project work</span></li> <li style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">A good work-life balance, including flexible working hours and work locations as well as childcare support&nbsp;</span></li> </ul> <p style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:14.0pt">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-bottom:15.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">We look forward to receiving your application by 15.11.2026.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:15.0px;text-align:justify">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-bottom:15.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Please apply exclusively via our job portal (https://jobs.uni-siegen.de). Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications in writing or by e-mail.</span></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:24.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><h2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Your contact person:</b></h2> </div><div><p style="margin-bottom:13.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Judith Dörrenbächer</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:13.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color:black">0271/740-5270</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:13.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman', serif"><span style="font-family:'Arial', sans-serif"><span style="color:black">judith.doerrenbaecher@uni-siegen.de</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div></div></div><div class="c50l"> <p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:16.0px"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">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.</span></span></p> </div> <div class="c50l"><img alt="" src="https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/b6b95019-cc63-4521-a44b-5.png" style="width:50%">&nbsp;<a class="nodecolink nodecolink" href="https://www.uni-siegen.de/start/die_universitaet/ueber_uns/zertifikate/hrs4r/?lang=de"><img alt="" src="https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/b225db5f-82c7-4800-ba94-1.jpg" style="height:56.0px;width:80.0px"></a>&nbsp;<a class="nodecolink nodecolink" href="https://www.uni-siegen.de/familiengerechte_hochschule/?lang=de"><img alt="" src="https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/44624f5e-87dd-4612-99a9-b.jpg" style="width:80.0px;height:79.0px"></a>&nbsp;<a class="nodecolink nodecolink" href="https://www.uni-siegen.de/gleichstellung/gleichstellung/auszeichnungen/equality.html?lang=de"><img alt="" src="https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/38b067bc-ee3b-4e93-9bff-2.jpg" style="width:80.0px;height:96.0px"></a>&nbsp;<img alt="guetesiegel3" src="https://www.uni-siegen.de/start/news/oeffentlichkeit/images/guetesiegel.jpg/Resize?geometry=130x" style="height:80.0px;width:80.0px"><img alt="guetesiegel3" src="https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/bf4b1e83-5bfb-4d03-aa39-e.jpg" style="height:80.0px;width:80.0px"></div> </span>