PhD Candidate in Visualization and Media Technology

We are looking for a PhD candidate in Visualization and Media Technology with a focus on interactive visualization, visual learning, science communication, and educational science, formally placed at the Department of Science and Technology, Campus Norrköping.

As a PhD candidate, you will participate in a project exploring how AI can create engaging and interactive educational environments. You will collaborate with leading researchers and experts from several universities and the Visualization Center C. The work provides you with the opportunity to publish internationally and develop expertise in AI and visualization. Do you want to help shape the future of education?

Your Responsibilities

The position is part of a project funded by the Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg Foundation (MAW), which investigates the possibilities and consequences of AI-driven conversational guides for visitors' learning and experiences in public educational environments, such as the Visualization Center C in Norrköping. The project's goal is to identify characteristics of AI guides, investigate interactions between AI guides, educators, and visitors, and explore the combination of visual and verbal interactions to enhance engagement and learning with interactive exhibits in public settings. You will closely collaborate with researchers in visualization, AI specialists, research engineers, educational scientists, and educators at Linköping University, the Visualization Center C, and Umeå University to study the effects of emerging AI-based educational technology on learning in public environments.

You are expected to produce research results relevant to the fields of visualization, visual learning, and communication, as well as educational science. These results should include publications at international conferences, workshops, and in scientific journals. Since the research is highly collaborative, you should thrive in and be passionate about contributing to a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

As a PhD candidate, you will devote most of your time to research studies and the research project you are part of. The work may also include teaching or other institutional tasks, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time. Alternatively, if you have a strong background in software development, you have the opportunity to fill these 20% with additional research engineer work.

Your Qualifications

The work as a PhD candidate is driven by engagement, curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, the ability to work independently, and the willingness and ability to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. The position requires that you have completed a master's degree in computer science, media technology, computer engineering, human-computer interaction, visual learning and communication, science, technology, educational science, or related fields, or completed courses totaling at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits at the master's level in the aforementioned subjects or otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

For this position, knowledge in interactive visualization, visual learning and communication, educational science, or related fields is highly meritorious. Furthermore, skills in programming (C/C++, OpenGL, R) and experience in data analysis or machine learning are also meritorious. We would also appreciate knowledge of Linköping University's proprietary software (e.g., VIAMD, OpenSpace).

Since research results are primarily communicated in English, good proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Given the research's potential for community outreach, it is meritorious if you also have good knowledge of Swedish.

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your Workplace

The PhD position is located at the Department of Media and Information Technology (MIT), which belongs to the Department of Science and Technology at the university's campus in Norrköping. The PhD candidate will be part of the research group Visual Learning and Communication (VLC) led by Konrad Schönborn. The group conducts interdisciplinary research on how advanced interactive visualizations and AI-based tools affect learning, interest, curiosity, and knowledge development in public environments and classrooms, focusing on STEM education at all levels. Synergies with the Visualization Center C, MIT, and faculties at LiU facilitate research on the role of visualization for deepened learning and empowering citizens and students in a rapidly changing world. This position will also be linked to Technology, Science, and Didactics (TekNaD) at the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning (IBL).

About the Position

Upon taking up the position, you will be admitted to the doctoral program. Read more about each faculty's doctoral education here.

The position is time-limited to normally four years full-time. Extension of the position up to five years occurs based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignments. In special cases, further extension may occur. You will initially be employed for one year, and thereafter the employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, based on the achieved study plan.

Start date by agreement.

The position may be placed in a security class. If so, a security review with a background check will be conducted before a decision on employment is made.

Salary and Benefits

The PhD salary is regulated according to a locally negotiated salary scale. Read more about employee benefits here.

Union Contacts

Information about union contacts can be found in Help for applicants.

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than February 25, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

For a complete workplace description and information about the application, visit: Job Openings - Linköping University

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our activities. For us, it is self-evident to uphold everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with Equal Opportunities.

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