Researcher (m/f/d) - Speculative Design & Social Interaction

Area: Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines  | Job scope: full-time  | Duration of employment: limited  | Posting-ID: 7164   [https://rmkcdn.successfactors.com/0019902a/a6feced7-14a3-4586-9ac9-f.jpg] 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. WE SEEK: In the Faculty III: School of Economic Disciplines, , we are looking for a researcher  as of the 01.04.2027  at the following conditions:   * 100% = 39,83 hours   * Pay grade 13  TV-L * Initially 3 years; an extension for an additional 18 months is possible   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. YOUR TASKS: * Develop and conduct an independent PhD research project in Research through Design, with a focus on Speculative Design and social interaction in urban spaces * Collaborate with artists in the Artist-in-Residence programme at FFT Düsseldorf, connecting Design Research and artistic research * Develop and conduct speculative, participatory, and performative research and design formats * Conduct qualitative and design-oriented research on social encounters in urban spaces * Plan, conduct, and analyse empirical studies * Publish and present research findings in international academic contexts * Contribute to joint activities of the ENACT Junior Research Group and to the transfer of research into public and professional contexts YOUR PROFILE: * A very good university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Design, Design Research, or a related field * Interest in social interaction, urban spaces, and future technologies * Knowledge of and/or practical experience with qualitative, participatory, or design-oriented research methods * Interest in Speculative Design, Design Fiction, and/or performative design methods * Interest in collaborating with artists and practice partners in a transdisciplinary research environment * Excellent spoken and written English * Good German language skills are an advantage  * An independent and structured approach to work, as well as strong communication and teamwork skills * Experience in academic writing and/or academic publications is an advantage OUR RANGE OF SERVICES: * Support for your academic or artistic qualification in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz), e.g. a PhD * Close academic exchange with Prof. Dr. Marc Hassenzahl’s research group in Human-Computer Interaction and Experience Design * Long-term collaboration with FFT Düsseldorf and international artists through the Artist-in-Residence programme * Interdisciplinary exchange with experts in urban planning, public administration, and robotics in urban spaces * Opportunities to develop and test your own speculative, participatory, and performative research formats * Support for international networking, publications, and conference participation * Professional development and training opportunities at the University of Siegen, particularly through the House of Young Talents * Opportunities to gain experience in teaching, science communication, and project work * A good work-life balance, including flexible working hours and work locations as well as childcare support   We look forward to receiving your application by 15.11.2026.   Please apply exclusively via our job portal (https://jobs.uni-siegen.de). Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications in writing or by e-mail. YOUR CONTACT PERSON: Judith Dörrenbächer 0271/740-5270 [email protected] 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. 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