HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," "Security," and "Business and Society" researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.
In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a
PhD Candidate (m/f/x) in Computational Interaction and User Modeling
The position is fixed-term for the duration of three years (with the possibility of extension).
About the Research Group "Computational Interaction"
Our vision is to develop simulated users that accurately replicate human interactions with complex computing systems. These simulated users model cognition, perception, and motor control. They could be used to evaluate interactive systems long before expensive experimental user testing and to help build interactive systems that understand, predict, and adapt to human cognition and behavior. Through modeling, we aim to improve our understanding of how humans interact with intelligent interfaces and transportation systems. We plan to do so by developing new, data-driven user models and evaluation methods based on (1) supervised machine learning and (2) the theory of computational rationality and reinforcement learning. Learn more about our research here.
About the Position
We are looking for a PhD student interested in advancing computational models of human behavior and applying them to the design of future interactive systems. Possible research topics include work toward “simulated users.” These models integrate cognition, perception, and biomechanics, and they learn human-like interaction behavior through machine learning and deep reinforcement learning. These models can be used to evaluate and optimize interactive systems prior to deployment. Computational design and the automated optimization of user interfaces, in which models of human behavior are used to generate, evaluate, and refine interface designs, are also within the scope of this position. Application areas include XR systems, in-vehicle interfaces, smartphones, and desktop applications.
Your future tasks
- Conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of human-computer interaction and machine learning
- Develop models of human behavior, build adaptive, user-centered systems and design and run user studies
- Collaborate with an international research team and researchers of other universities
- Publish at top venues, e.g. CHI, UIST, HRI, IMWUT, and present your work at conferences
- Contribute to teaching and mentoring activities
Requirements
-
An excellent MSc degree (or about to finish) in Artificial Intelligence, Bio Informatics, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Human Computer Interaction or a related discipline
-
Solid knowledge of (and experience with) machine learning and deep learning methods and frameworks
-
Python knowledge with good working knowledge in applying/evaluating machine learning & deep learning methods
-
Knowledge and Experience in one or more of the following is beneficial: Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Modeling, Computational User Models, Biomechanical Models, Simulation Environments such as MuJoCo or NVIDIA Isaac Sim
Below are three recent, relevant papers that provide insight into our work:
- https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.21043
- https://arxiv.org/pdf/2601.16778
- https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3491102.3517739
All publications of our group can be found here: https://ciao-group.github.io/publications/
What we offer
- A modern study environment with great flexibility, strong mentoring, and a supportive, ambitious team culture
- Opportunities for professional development and technical specialization
- Numerous sports facilities (tennis and basketball courts, beach volleyball court, calisthenics park, and participation in running events)
- Workplace on the HPI campus in Potsdam-Babelsberg (Griebnitzsee S-Bahn station), with fast transportation connections to Berlin
We look forward to receiving your application documents by April 26, 2026, including the following:
- Preferred starting date (including earliest and latest possible date)
- CV & transcript of records
- Research statement (max one page) including why you want to start a PhD in Computational Interaction, and what is of interest to you.
Please apply exclusively via our career page.
Contact HR Recruiting
nicola.mertens@hpi.de
Contact Research Group
office-ebel@hpi.de
Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3
14482 Potsdam