Doctoral student in Interaction design - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Human-Computer Interaction

Existing interactive solutions for identity and access control, ie user authentication, are not designed in a way that reflects its actual value and significance, giving rise to dissonant user experience. The project aims to design, build and empirically evaluate physical security keys that better fit with the idea of a lifelong interaction with great utility value. Concretely, we will create a small series of interactive demonstrators of the design concept Precious Keys, where we investigate how physical user authentication can be designed for long-term and sustainable use-value. How should these units be designed? Exactly what materials, shapes and manufacturing processes are appropriate? What kind of interactions and limitations should they exhibit? How can they fit into a complex ecosystem of network-based hardware and software systems, closely linked to central security and integrity issues? Briefly, what are the ideal/optimal artifacts and systems for this purpose? We will examine the above research questions through concept-driven interaction design where we produce scenarios and physical prototypes, which ice can be explored further but also has the potential for commercialization in the form of real products. We are seeking a Doctoral candidate who is willing to research the design aspects, as briefly outlined above. The work will be conducted in a creative team using design-driven approaches to explore technological possibilities as well as existing and future use practices and design concepts.

Supervision: The doctoral student will be placed at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology and supervised by Ylva Fernaeus

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.
• A compulsory individual study plan to support your development in your area of interest.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement.
• Postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as a study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe’s fastest-growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
• Help to relocate and be settled in Sweden and at KTH.

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a degree at an advanced level,
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at an advanced level, or
• in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

A suitable background for this position would be an MSc degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Media Technology or Industrial Design.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal-oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

• ability to independently pursue his or her work,
• ability to collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

Apart from this, we will assess applicants portfolio of previous works, including

1. previous design work (including implementation) of interactive systems,
2. engagement with topics related to project,
3. studies conducted with end-users,
4. academic writing in English.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and personal suitability.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years ' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for the doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• A CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about the processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of a discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.