Doctoral Researcher

Position Opening

The Chair for Psychological Ergonomics (Prof. Dr. Jörn Hurtienne, Institute Human-Computer-Media) at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), Germany, invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher Position . The position will be available to start in October/November 2026 and is fixed-term for 36 months. It is a full‑time doctoral researcher position (100%, TVL 13).

Project Overview

The position is part of the project A3D – Augmented Reality Attention Aid Displays for Multithread Task Situations, founded by the German Research Foundation. The principal investigators are Tobias Grundgeiger (Uni Würzburg), Kristof van Laerhoven (Uni Siegen), and Oliver Happel (University Hospital Würzburg). The project will include the three principal investigators and two doctoral students (one in Siegen at the Chair of Ubiquitous Computing and one in Würzburg at the Chair for Psychological Ergonomics).

Responsibilities

• Develop a tangible, laboratory‑based, multithread task and design an augmented reality display to conduct experiments on attention aid displays.
• Plan, conduct, and analyze laboratory‑based experiments.
• Plan, conduct, and analyze a medical simulation‑based study with clinical experts.
• Write up and present conference and journal publications.

Project Context

In the project, we integrate activity tracking, ubiquitous computing, cognitive science on multitasking, and augmented reality displays. We propose and explore the concept of AR attention aid displays (A3Ds) to support the execution of the full range of multithread tasks, such as sequential multitasking (including interrupted primary task resumption) and concurrent multitasking (such as rapid switches between different task threads). For more information about the project, see the PsyErgo-Website (

Qualifications

• A University Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology, Cognitive Science, Human Factors, Human–Computer Interaction, or a related field.
• A willingness to conduct a PhD.
• Interest in interdisciplinary work, healthcare acute care research, and qualitative research.
• Knowledge of experimental design, quantitative research methods, and English language skills.
• Research experience on multitasking/interruptions, qualitative research, and German language skills are beneficial.

Equal Opportunity

The JMU aims to reduce the underrepresentation of women and, therefore, explicitly encourages qualified women to apply. Severely handicapped applicants will be given preferential consideration in the case of broadly equal suitability, ability, and professional achievements.

The closing date for applications is July 17th, 2026 .