The University of Klagenfurt, with approximately 1,500 employees and over 12,000 students, is located in the Alps-Adriatic region and consistently achieves excellent placements in rankings. The motto “per aspera ad astra” underscores our firm commitment to the pursuit of excellence in all activities in research, teaching and university management. The principles of equality, diversity, health, sustainability, and compatibility of work and family life serve as the foundation for our work at the university.

The University of Klagenfurt is pleased to announce the following open position in the Interactive Systems Research Group at the Department of Informatics Systems in the Faculty of Technical Sciences with an earliest expected starting date of November 1, 2024:

Predoc Scientist
(all genders welcome; in German: Universitätsassistent:in)

Level of employment: 100 % (40 hours/week)
Salary: € 50,103.20 per annum (gross); classification according to collective agreement: B1
Limited to: 4 years
Application deadline: September 18, 2024
Deadline for all documents and certificates: October 15, 2024
Reference code: 438/24

Duties and responsibilities:
• Participation in research and teaching activities of the department, including interdisciplinary work
• Autonomous research aiming at submitting a doctoral dissertation within the employment period
• Participation in organisational and administrative matters relating to the department
• Participation in public relations activities of the Faculty of Technical Sciences

Required qualifications:
• Master’s degree from a domestic or foreign higher education institution in computer science or a related field
• Proven interest and experience in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (e.g., as the focus of the Master’s or Bachelor’s thesis or other students’ projects, pertinent work experience, etc.)
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English as well as good knowledge of German or willingness to redress weaknesses within the first year of employment

Additional desired qualifications:
• Pertinent experience abroad or in practice
• Teaching experience and didactic competence
• First scientific publication(s)
• Good programming skills in two or more among C/C++, Python, Java, Android, and Unity
• Experience with statistical methods
• Social skills in diversity and equality issues

The Interactive Systems Research Group teaches theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate digital products and to create innovative interactive solutions for the future. The group’s research activities concern the usability and user experience of standard and novel user interfaces and modalities, which lead to new challenges, especially in connection with the advance of AI. Current research aims to understand and improve interaction in desktop and wearable-based usage scenarios, virtual and augmented reality, and smart environments (IoT, Smart Home). We work in a committed, collegial, and international team at the University of Klagenfurt and cooperate with national and international partners from science and industry.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a dynamic junior researcher interested in engaging in Human-Computer Interaction. It serves the purposes of the vocational and scientific education of graduates
of Master’s programmes and sets the goal of completing a Doctoral degree (PhD) in Technical Sciences. Therefore, applications by persons with a pertinent doctorate (PhD) will not be considered.

Our offer:
The employment contract is concluded with a salary of € 3,578.80 gross per month (14 times a year; § 27 Uni-KV B1, www.aau.at/en/uni-kv) and can increase due to consideration of previous pertinent experience.
The University of Klagenfurt also offers:
• Personal and professional advanced training courses, management, and career coaching
• Numerous attractive additional benefits, see also jobs.aau.at/en/the-university-as-employer/
• Diversity- and family-friendly university culture
• The opportunity to live and work in the attractive Alps-Adriatic region with a wide range of leisure activities in the spheres of culture, nature, and sports

The application:
If you are interested in this position, please apply in English by providing the following documents:
• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae – with clear information about the degrees, including date/place/grade, the experience acquired, the list of publications (if any), and any other relevant information
• Master’s thesis (if written in English or in German)
• Copy of the Bachelor’s- and Master’s degree certificates and transcripts of the courses
• Any certificates that can prove the fulfilment of the required and additional qualifications listed above (e.g., the submission of the final thesis/dissertation if required by the degree programme, programming skills certificates, language skills certificates, etc.)
• If an applicant has not received the Master’s degree by the application deadline, the applicant must provide a written declaration, either by the supervisor or by the candidate themselves, on the feasibility of finishing the Master’s degree by October 15, 2024, at the latest.
To apply, please select the position with the reference code 438/24 in the category “Scientific Staff” using the link “Apply for this position” in the job portal at jobs.aau.at/en/.

Candidates must furnish proof that they meet the required qualifications by October 15, 2024, at the latest.

For further information on this specific vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Martin Hitz (Martin [dot] Hitz [at] aau [dot] at). General information about the university as an employer can be found at jobs.aau.at/en/the-university-as-employer/. At the University of Klagenfurt, recruitment and staff matters are accompanied not only by the authority responsible for the recruitment procedure but also by the Equal Opportunities Working Group and, if necessary, by the Representative for Disabled Persons.

The University of Klagenfurt aims to increase the proportion of women and, therefore, specifically invites qualified women to apply for the position. Where the qualification is equivalent, women will be given preferential consideration.

People with disabilities or chronic diseases, who fulfil the requirements, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Travel and accommodation costs incurred during the application process will not be refunded. In order to give all applicants the same opportunity, the first round of interviews may take place online.

Translations into other languages shall serve informational purposes only. Solely the version advertised in the University Bulletin (Mitteilungsblatt) shall be legally binding.