Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in - Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in - Interaction Design & Physical Prototyping

Company: Universität Siegen

Location: Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Research & Development / Academia

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Experience Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years post-Master's)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a research-oriented individual focused on developing and executing an independent doctoral project within the ENACT junior research group.

• The position emphasizes the practical application of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles through the design, development, and implementation of interactive prototypes, particularly utilizing physical computing.

• A core aspect involves exploring and defining new interaction concepts aimed at fostering social encounters in urban public spaces, bridging academic research with artistic and practical applications.

• The role requires strong collaboration skills, working closely with artists, international researchers, and practical partners in a transdisciplinary setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within academic research, focusing on a niche intersection of HCI, design, and urban studies. It is not a typical Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role, thus the standard operations keywords will be less relevant. The focus will be on research, design, and prototyping skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development and execution of an independent doctoral research project, adhering to the 'Research through Design' methodology with a specific focus on Interaction Design and social technologies in urban environments.

• Conceptualize, engineer, and bring to life interactive and experiential prototypes, with a strong emphasis on leveraging Physical Computing techniques and platforms.

• Innovate and refine novel interaction concepts designed to enhance social interactions and community engagement within public urban spaces.

• Employ design-oriented and performative prototyping methods to explore user experiences and technological capabilities.

• Actively participate in collaborative activities with artists involved in the Artist-in-Residence program at the Forum Freies Theater (FFT) Düsseldorf.

• Design, conduct, and analyze empirical studies to validate research hypotheses and understand user interactions.

• Author and present research findings in leading international scientific and academic forums.

• Contribute to the collective endeavors of the junior research group, facilitating knowledge transfer to the public and practical stakeholders.

• Engage in interdisciplinary dialogues with experts from urban planning, public administration, and robotics.

• Develop and experiment with innovative interactive prototypes and unique research formats.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are deeply rooted in academic research and development, emphasizing a hands-on approach to prototyping and empirical validation within the specified research domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A very good academic university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Design, Design Research, Media Informatics, or a closely related field.

Experience: Practical experience in prototyping interactive systems and/or physical computing is essential. Experience with research methodologies, particularly design-oriented and user research, is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Interaction Design principles and methodologies.

• Strong practical experience in Physical Prototyping and Physical Computing (e.g., using microcontrollers and platforms like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi).

• Demonstrated interest in the design of interactive technologies and their role in social interactions.

• Familiarity with design-oriented research methods and User Research techniques.

• Keen interest in performative and exploratory forms of prototyping.

• Excellent command of written and spoken English.

• Independent and structured work approach, coupled with strong communication and teamwork skills. Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge or practical experience with academic writing and scholarly publication.

• Good command of spoken and written German.

• Experience in collaborative projects with artists and practical partners.

• Prior exposure to transdisciplinary research environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a direct operations role, the emphasis on structured work, empirical studies, and clear communication aligns with operational excellence principles. The technical prototyping skills are paramount for this research position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of completed interactive system prototypes, detailing the design process, technical implementation, and user interaction logic.

• Examples of physical computing projects, clearly demonstrating the use of microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to create tangible interactive experiences.

• Case studies of design research projects, illustrating the application of user research methods, iterative design, and evaluation techniques.

• Documentation of any user studies or empirical research conducted, including methodology, data analysis, and key findings related to interaction design. Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of the design and development workflow for at least one significant prototyping project.

• Clear articulation of the iterative process employed during prototype development and user testing.

• Evidence of structured problem-solving approaches used to overcome technical or design challenges during prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional operations portfolio might focus on CRM configurations or process automation, this role requires a portfolio demonstrating research and design output. The emphasis is on showcasing the applicant's ability to conceptualize, build, and evaluate interactive systems, reflecting a research-driven design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: According to Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst der Länder), the gross annual salary for this position will be in the range of approximately €46,000 to €62,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a standard scale for academic staff in German public universities.

Benefits:

• Support for academic or artistic qualification (e.g., doctoral studies) in accordance with the German 'Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz' (Science Career Contract Law).

• Opportunity to develop and lead an independent doctoral project at the forefront of HCI, Interaction Design, and Prototyping.

• Close scientific supervision with regular research meetings and feedback sessions.

• Intensive exchange within the Human-Computer Interaction and Experience Design working group led by Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl.

• Long-term collaboration opportunities with the FFT Düsseldorf and its resident artists.

• Interdisciplinary networking with experts in urban planning, public administration, and robotics.

• Access to a well-equipped FabLab and project funds for prototype development.

• Support for international networking, publication activities, and conference attendance.

• Opportunities for professional development and further education through the University of Siegen's House of Young Talents.

• Potential to gain experience in teaching and project work.

Working Hours: 100% of a standard full-time position, equating to approximately 39.83 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is based on the German public sector collective agreement (TV-L), which provides a standardized pay scale for academic employees. The benefits are typical for an academic research position, emphasizing professional development and research support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education & Research (Public University)

Company Size: Large (approx. 2,000+ employees)

Founded: 1972 (as Gesamthochschule Siegen), established as Universität Siegen in 2003. The university has a history of interdisciplinary research and a commitment to regional development.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the ENACT junior research group within Faculty III (Economics, Business Informatics, Business Law).

• This group operates at the intersection of HCI, Design Research, and artistic research.

• It fosters close collaboration with external institutions like the Forum Freies Theater (FFT) Düsseldorf and international artists.

• There will be an exchange with the HCI and Experience Design working group led by Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl. Methodology:

• The research group employs a 'Research through Design' approach, integrating speculative and performative methods.

• Emphasis is placed on developing tangible prototypes and conducting empirical studies to explore the social impact of smart technologies.

• Transdisciplinary collaboration is a core operational principle, bridging academic disciplines with artistic and practical fields.

Company Website: https://www.uni-siegen.de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is academic and research-intensive, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The integration of artistic practices and external partnerships is a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an early-career academic research position, suitable for individuals aiming for a PhD and a subsequent career in research, academia, or advanced R&D roles in industry. It's an excellent entry point for a doctoral project.

Reporting Structure: The position reports to Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer, the head of the ENACT junior research group. Regular interaction and guidance will be provided by her and potentially Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue-generating role, the research aims to understand and shape the societal impact of technology, influencing future urban development, public space design, and human-technology interaction. Successful research can lead to publications, patents, and new design paradigms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Doctoral Completion: The primary growth opportunity is the successful completion of a PhD, a significant academic and professional milestone.

• Skill Development: Deepening expertise in Interaction Design, Physical Computing, Research through Design, and empirical research methodologies.

• Publication & Presentation: Gaining experience in publishing in high-impact academic venues and presenting research at international conferences.

• Networking: Building a strong professional network with academics, artists, and practitioners in relevant fields.

• Leadership Potential: Developing skills in project management, independent research, and potentially mentoring junior researchers or students.

• Career Path: Potential progression to post-doctoral research, academic faculty positions, or advanced R&D roles in technology companies or design studios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory is clearly defined within the academic research path, focusing on intellectual and professional development rather than traditional corporate operations career ladders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based within a university research environment. This typically involves access to office spaces, research labs (including a FabLab), and collaborative work areas.

Office Location(s): Universität Siegen, Faculty III, Siegen, Germany. The specific building and lab facilities will be detailed upon onboarding.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic research setting that encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange.

• Access to a well-equipped FabLab for physical prototyping and experimentation.

• Opportunities for close interaction with research team members, faculty, and potentially visiting artists and researchers.

• The environment is conducive to focused individual work as well as collaborative brainstorming and project development.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time (approx. 39.83 hours/week). While there's a standard work week, academic research often allows for some flexibility in structuring working hours, provided project milestones and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is academic and research-focused, emphasizing hands-on work in labs and collaborative spaces. Flexibility in work hours is common in research, balanced with project demands.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted application documents, including CV, cover letter, academic transcripts, and work samples/portfolio.

• First Interview (likely remote): Discussion about the applicant's background, research interests, motivation for the role, and understanding of the ENACT project. This may involve presenting previous work.

• Technical/Practical Assessment (potentially on-site): This could involve a practical task, a presentation of a portfolio project in detail, or a discussion about specific prototyping challenges relevant to the role.

• Final Interview (potentially on-site): Meeting with key researchers (Dr. Dörrenbächer, possibly Prof. Hassenzahl) to assess cultural fit, research potential, and alignment with the group's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in Interaction Design, Physical Prototyping, and Research through Design.

• Detail the Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the technical challenges and solutions (especially regarding physical computing), user engagement strategies, and outcomes/learnings.

• Highlight Physical Computing: Explicitly showcase projects using Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or similar, explaining your role in hardware integration and software development.

• Showcase Research Methods: If applicable, detail how you used user research, empirical studies, or design research methods.

• Visuals are Key: Use high-quality images, videos, or interactive demos to present your work effectively.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that align with social technologies, urban spaces, and speculative/performative design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Research Through Design: Be prepared to discuss this methodology and how you apply it.

• Prototyping Scenarios: Think about how you would approach prototyping a specific interaction for social engagement in a public space.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your prototyping projects (e.g., microcontroller programming, sensor integration, communication protocols).

• Artistic Collaboration: Consider how you would approach working with artists and how their input might shape your technical/design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is typical for academic research positions, with a strong emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates practical skills and research potential. Preparation should focus on showcasing technical prototyping abilities and a clear understanding of the research domain.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping Platforms: Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and similar microcontroller platforms.

• Programming Languages: C/C++ (for microcontrollers), Python (often used with Raspberry Pi and for scripting/data analysis), potentially JavaScript (for web-based interfaces).

• Design Software: Tools for UI/UX design (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD), potentially CAD software for physical enclosures.

• Hardware Components: Sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, power supplies, various electronic components.

• FabLab Equipment: 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, hand tools for physical construction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Potentially R, Python libraries (Pandas, NumPy), SPSS, or similar for analyzing empirical study data.

• Statistical Tools: For quantitative analysis of user studies.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this research role. The focus is on research tools and prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards hardware and embedded systems development for interactive prototypes, rather than typical business operations software like CRMs or marketing automation tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Research Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, rigorous academic and artistic research.

• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouraging novel ideas, speculative design, and creative exploration through prototyping.

• Collaboration: Valuing interdisciplinary teamwork, open communication, and knowledge sharing among researchers, artists, and partners.

• Impact & Societal Relevance: Aiming to understand and influence how technology shapes social interactions and urban life.

• Autonomy & Responsibility: Empowering researchers to develop and lead their own projects while maintaining accountability for milestones.

Collaboration Style:

• Transdisciplinary: Actively engaging with diverse fields and perspectives, fostering a rich exchange of ideas.

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: Embracing a process of continuous refinement through regular feedback loops within the research group and with external collaborators.

• Co-Creative: Working alongside artists and practitioners to co-develop concepts and prototypes, valuing mutual contribution.

• Open Communication: Encouraging proactive dialogue, sharing of progress, challenges, and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is built around academic rigor, creative exploration, and collaborative synergy across different disciplines. It's less about strict operational processes and more about fostering an environment for innovative research.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Disciplines: Effectively integrating insights and methodologies from HCI, design, artistic research, and urban studies.

• Technical Complexity: Developing functional and robust physical prototypes that meet research objectives.

• Artistic Integration: Navigating the collaborative process with artists, ensuring a synergistic rather than conflicting approach.

• Empirical Study Design: Designing and executing studies that yield meaningful data on complex social interactions mediated by technology.

• Publication Pressure: Meeting the demands of high-impact academic publishing within a competitive field.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Doctoral Supervision: Comprehensive guidance and mentorship towards PhD completion.

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in physical computing, embedded systems, and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Research Methodology Training: Opportunities to refine skills in qualitative and quantitative research, user experience evaluation, and design research.

• Conference Participation: Support for attending and presenting at international conferences, fostering professional development and networking.

• Interdisciplinary Exposure: Gaining insights from diverse fields through collaboration and university-wide events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, requiring adaptability, technical acumen, and strong collaborative skills. Growth opportunities are geared towards academic and research specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Vision: "Describe your proposed doctoral project. How does it align with the ENACT group's goals, and what novel contributions do you expect to make?" (Preparation: Clearly articulate your research question, methodology, expected outcomes, and significance. Connect it to the ENACT theme of social technologies in urban spaces.)

• Prototyping Approach: "Walk us through a significant physical prototyping project you've completed. What were the key technical challenges, and how did you overcome them using platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi?" (Preparation: Select a strong project, use visuals, and be ready to discuss hardware, software, and integration aspects in detail.)

• Design Research Methods: "How would you use design research methods to explore user needs or evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive prototype designed for social interaction in a public space?" (Preparation: Discuss user research techniques, iterative design, and evaluation methods relevant to HCI and design research.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in this specific role at Universität Siegen and the ENACT junior research group?" (Preparation: Show genuine interest in the research area, the group's specific focus, and the university's interdisciplinary approach.)

• Collaboration: "How do you approach working with individuals from different disciplinary backgrounds, such as artists or engineers?" (Preparation: Highlight your adaptability, communication skills, and openness to diverse perspectives.)

• Research Impact: "How do you see your research contributing to a better understanding of technology's role in urban social life?" (Preparation: Think about broader societal implications and how your work can inform design or policy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear story: problem/opportunity -> your approach/process -> solution/prototype -> outcomes/learnings.

• Focus on 'Why' and 'How': Don't just show what you built; explain why you built it, the specific design choices you made, and how you executed the technical implementation.

• Technical Depth for Prototyping: Be ready to dive into the specifics of your physical computing projects – circuit diagrams, code snippets (if relevant), component choices, and debugging.

• Connect to Research: Explicitly link your projects to research methodologies, user insights, and potential for academic contribution.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and encourage discussion. This is a chance to demonstrate your critical thinking and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strong technical prototyping skills, a clear research vision, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly within an academic context. The portfolio is central to this process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this research position:

• Submit your application exclusively through the Universität Siegen job portal via the provided link. Ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadline of November 15, 2026.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your best projects in Interaction Design and Physical Prototyping, using platforms like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi. Clearly document the design process and technical implementation for each.

• Resume/CV Optimization: Tailor your CV to highlight academic achievements, relevant research experience, technical skills in prototyping and programming, and any publications or conference presentations. Use keywords from the job description.

• Research Proposal/Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter or research proposal (as requested) that clearly articulates your interest in the ENACT group, your research ideas, and how your skills align with the role's requirements.

• Company/Group Research: Thoroughly research the ENACT junior research group, Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer's work, Prof. Marc Hassenzahl's group, and the Universität Siegen's research profile. Understand their methodologies and recent publications.

• Prepare for Technical Discussion: Be ready to discuss your prototyping projects in depth, including technical details of hardware and software, and your approach to user research and design evaluation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and assumptions based on industry standards for academic research roles. All details regarding application requirements, interview processes, and specific project expectations should be verified directly with the hiring organization or the contact person, Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer.