Postdoctoral Position in Computer Science

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

About the Department

At the Department of Applied Information Technology, we conduct critical and interdisciplinary research of the highest quality in an international environment with great relevance to society. We offer popular programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, grounded in research and societal development, providing excellent employment opportunities.

Our researchers are at the heart of the debate, contributing to the explanation and problematisation of IT and societal challenges associated with society's digitalisation.

Here, people’s knowledge and ability to analyse, understand, and manage various aspects of IT, as well as the interaction between humans and technology, are developed in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, "Twin transition," blockchain, digital governance, digital innovation, e-health, the Internet of Things, mobile communication, robots, social media, and IT in schools and education.

About the Division of CLIC

The Department of Applied Information Technology at the University of Gothenburg conducts interdisciplinary research on the design, use, and societal implications of digital technologies. Within the Division of Cognition, Learning & IT, Interaction Design, and Communication (CLIC), researchers with expertise in interaction design, human-computer interaction (HCI), cognitive science, and digital media collaborate.

The division offers a dynamic and international research environment with strong connections to societally relevant issues and close collaboration with external actors in the public sector, healthcare, industry, and civil society.

About the Research Centre UGot ReWork

This position is funded by UGot ReWork, an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Gothenburg funded by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (Forte).

UGot ReWork brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to develop knowledge on sustainable return to work, with a particular focus on mental health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders. The centre offers an international and collaborative research environment with high societal relevance. The host department is the Institute of Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

Subject Area

Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)

Subject Area Description

Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary research field that studies the design, development, and use of interactive digital systems in relation to human needs, behaviors, and social contexts.

The field encompasses theories, methods, and practices for designing technologies that are usable, meaningful, and relevant in different contexts, with a particular focus on the interplay between humans and technology.

This position focuses on the design and development of digital interventions that support sustainable return to work. The research includes the development and evaluation of interactive systems in close collaboration with users and stakeholders in healthcare and working life contexts.

Job Assignments

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in human-computer interaction with strong expertise in the design and development of digital systems.

The position is connected to a work package within the UGot ReWork centre, aiming to design, develop, evaluate, and implement digital interventions that support sustainable return to work for individuals on sick leave due to mental health conditions or musculoskeletal disorders.

The work is research-driven and exploratory, where design and development of digital solutions form a central part of the research process. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to translating research ideas and needs from healthcare and workplace contexts into functional digital systems, prototypes, and interventions.

Tasks include:

• Design and development of digital interventions, prototypes, and research systems
• Development of mobile applications, web applications, or other interactive systems
• Development of tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization linked to interventions
• Integration of user needs, user context, clinical perspectives, and research questions in the design process
• Planning and conducting user studies and evaluations of developed solutions

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with researchers from multiple disciplines, including HCI, information systems, medicine, psychology, sociology, and public health, as well as external stakeholders in healthcare and other relevant sectors.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you are also expected to contribute to an active and stimulating research environment, participate in seminars and joint activities, and contribute to external research applications.

The position offers good opportunities to further develop an independent research profile within HCI and digital health.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must hold a doctoral degree (or equivalent). The degree must be completed before the employment decision.

Preference is given to candidates who completed their PhD within the last three years, although exceptions may apply under specific circumstances (e.g., parental leave, illness, etc.).

Assessment Criteria

Required qualifications:

• PhD in HCI, interaction design, informatics, computer science, or equivalent
• Documented experience designing and developing digital systems or prototypes
• Experience conducting user studies or evaluations of digital systems
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)

Meritorious qualifications:

• Experience in digital health, eHealth, or working life research
• Experience developing mobile/web applications and data tools
• Experience in interdisciplinary research projects and stakeholder collaboration
• Knowledge of participatory design and user-centered design methods
• Swedish language skills (advantage due to stakeholder collaboration)