PhD student in Visualization and Media Technology with a focus on visual learning and communication

We are looking for a PhD student in Visual Learning and Communication with a focus on interactive visualization, visual learning, science communication, and educational science, formally based at the Department of Science and Technology, Campus Norrköping.

As a doctoral student, you will take part in a project exploring how AI can create engaging and interactive educational environments. You will collaborate with leading researchers and experts from several universities and the Visualization Center C. The work offers opportunities to publish internationally and develop cutting-edge expertise in AI and visualization. Do you want to help shape the future of education?

Your work assignments

The advertised position is part of a Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg (MAW) foundation funded project that investigates the possibilities and implications of AI-enabled conversational guides on visitors’ learning and experiences in public educational environments, such as the Visualization Center in Norrköping. The goals of the project are to identify AI-guide characteristics, investigate interactions between AI-guides, pedagogues and visitors, and explore the combination of visuo-verbal interactions for enhancing engagement and learning with interactive exhibits in public spaces. The PhD student will collaborate closely with visualization researchers, AI-specialists, research engineers, educational scientists, and pedagogues, across Linköping University, the Visualization Center, and Umeå University to study the impact of emerging AI-driven educational technology on learning in public spaces.

The PhD student is expected to produce research outputs relevant to the fields of visualization, visual learning and communication, and educational science. These outputs should include publications at international conferences, workshops, and journals. As this research is highly collaborative, the PhD student should thrive within and be passionate about contributing to a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

As a doctoral student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research project of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time. Alternatively, if you have a strong software engineering background, you will have the opportunity to fill this 20% effort with additional research engineering work.

Your qualifications

The work of a PhD student is driven by engagement, curiosity, creativity, problem solving, the ability to work independently, but also the ability and willingness to collaborate with fellow colleagues from different backgrounds. This position requires that you have graduated at Master’s level in in computer science, media technology, computer engineering, human-computer interaction, visual learning and communication, science, technology, educational sciences, or related fields or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in earlier mentioned subjects. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

For this position knowledge in the areas of interactive visualization, visual learning and communication, educational sciences or related domains, will be seen as a strong advantage for applicants. Proficiency in programming (C/C++, OpenGL, R) and experience in data mining or machine learning will be considered advantageous, wherein knowledge of Linköping University’s in-house software (e.g., VIAMD, OpenSpace) are also preferred.

As the communication of research results mainly takes place in English, this employment requires fluency in English, both spoken and written. Given the research potential for outreach to the public it is an advantage if you also have advanced skills in Swedish.

Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your workplace

We have the power of over 40,000 students and co-workers. Students who provide hope for the future. Co-workers who contribute to Linköping University meeting the challenges of the day. Our fundamental values rest on credibility, trust and security. By having the courage to think freely and innovate, our actions together, large and small, contribute to a better world. We look forward to receiving your application!

The PhD position will be based in the Media and Information Technology (MIT) division, belonging to the Department of Science and Technology at the university’s Norrköping Campus. MIT is an international leader in interdisciplinary, applied research with expertise in visualization, design, computer graphics, and the learning sciences. The research nexus for the division is the Visualization Center C, a unique science center in Norrköping that engages the public through data-driven installations and 3D fulldome experiences. Read more at http://visualiseringscenter.se. You will follow the study plan provided by Technology and Science Education Research (TekNaD), at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL).

The PhD student will be part of the Visual Learning and Communication (VLC) group led by Konrad Schönborn. The research group conducts interdisciplinary research on how cutting-edge interactive visualization and AI-based tools impact learning, interest, curiosity and knowledge development in public spaces and classrooms, investigating STEM education across all levels. Synergy with the Visualization Center C, MIT, and faculties across LiU allows for investigating the role visualization in deepening learning and for empowering citizens and students in a rapidly changing world. This position will also be affiliated with Technology and Science Education Research (TekNaD) at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL).

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement. 

This position may come to be a security classified position. If so, security screening including a records check will be carried out before any decision on employment is made.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 25th of February 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.

Applications should include:

• A cover letter motivating why you are interested in the position, your research interests, reasons for pursuing a PhD in visualization with a focus on visual learning and communication, and how you envision your background aligns with the research goals of the VLC group.
• A brief description of any prior experience in visualization, human-computer interaction, visual learning and communication, science education research, or related areas of educational research.
• A CV that includes contact information, dates and institutions of previous degrees, a list of peer-reviewed publications (if any), and contact details for at least two references.
• Copies of degree certificates and undergraduate transcripts.
• A copy of your Master’s thesis or link to its published version.