Postdoc positions in HCI and Videogames Theory at IT University of Copenhagen (181779)

The IT University of Copenhagen invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a Postdoc position in HCI and Videogames Theory at IT University of Copenhagen.

Job description
Interdisciplinary fields such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Game Design have imported theory from a variety of disciplines, such as psychology and design, but also developed novel theoretical tools. However, at present many challenges remain with regards to the impact, uptake and utility of theory for research and design practice.

As part of the ERC StG project THEORYCRAFT, we seek three postdocs to join us in addressing the question “what is good theory for HCI and/or games?”. Candidates will investigate current theory use in HCI/games research and practice, develop approaches to make theory more usable, and evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions. A particular focus of this investigation is the role of theory in HCI and game design education programmes.

In the context of these positions, we seek candidates who are deeply interested in advancing theory in HCI and/or games. Ideal candidates should have a comprehensive publication track record in at least one the following areas:

• Human-Computer Interaction

• Game Production

• Game Design

• Design Theory

The duration of each postdoc position is 1- to 2-years. The postdocs will receive mentorship and support in clarifying their career goals and improving their profile in the relevant areas. Besides adding to their portfolio of top-tier publications, the postdocs will contribute to teaching in ITU’s educational programmes (specifically, Msc in Games and/or BSc in Digital Design & Interactive Technology). Teaching responsibilities cover course contents such as games user research, player psychology, and/or HCI theory.

The research environment
The candidates will collaborate with Associate Professor Elisa Mekler, an expert in HCI games research and PI of the EU-funded ERC StG project THEORYCRAFT. The candidates will be part of the Play, Culture, and AI Section at ITU, but also have frequent opportunities to engage with the Human-Computer Interaction and Design Section. Moreover, the candidates will be affiliated with the ITU Center for Digital Play (CDP), a world-renowned hub for interdisciplinary games scholarship.

General information
The IT University of Copenhagen (ITU) is a teaching and research-based tertiary institution concerned with information technology (IT) and the opportunities it offers. The IT University has more than 160 full-time Faculty members. Research and teaching in information technology span all academic activities which involve computers including computer science, information and media sciences, humanities and social sciences, business impact and the commercialization of IT.

About the Center for Digital Play
The Center for Digital Play (CDP) is an interdisciplinary research unit that develops novel theories and methods for the study of play and games in the 21st Century. From game-trained Artificial Intelligence, to social communities created around videogames, gamification, esports, or game engines as artistic tools, digital play is an intrinsic yet understudied phenomenon in digital societies. The CDPs ambition is to define what it means to study play in digital societies from a multidisciplinary perspective. Its purpose is to develop novel methods and theories needed to deal with novel phenomena, and to be a reference center in the present and future of play and game studies.

Working at the IT University
Located in modern architecture, a 6-minute metro ride from the center of Copenhagen, the IT University offers an informal working environment, a varied everyday life, and a highly motivated, ambitious, competent, and diverse international faculty, with PhD degrees from 17 different countries. The IT University is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself in actively and successfully pursuing an improved gender balance among students and among faculty.

Working in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a solid educational system, a rich cultural life, universal healthcare, good childcare, and well-functioning infrastructure. Copenhagen is among the world’s most livable cities according to the Economist Global Liveability Index.

Salary and terms of employment
Appointment and salary will be in accordance with the Ministry of Taxation’s agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC) and job structure for academic staff at Universities.

Qualification Requirements
The following qualifications are required:

The applicant must hold a PhD-degree with research experience in HCI, game design, game production, and/or design theory. Ideal candidates have a comprehensive publication track record in relevant fields, for example, publications in CHI, CHI PLAY, FDG, and/or Games & Culture. Teaching experience in HCI and/or games-related subjects is desired.

Employment as postdoc is a temporary position for up to 4 years at the same University.

Application
The application and all other documents ought to be in English and must include:

• A full CV including name, phone number, e-mail, previous and present employment and academic background, a complete list of publications, information for professional references (names, position, relation to the candidate, contact information)
• A motivated application (cover letter) discussing the match between this position and your qualifications, your research and career agenda, your teaching experience, the direction you would like to take in this project, and your preferred starting date.
• Documentation of academic degrees (copy of degree certificates etc.)
• A brief statement listing up to 3 publications or projects, your contributions to them, and the relevance of the corresponding skills or expertise to this project (up to 1 page).
• Documentation of pedagogical experience and teaching record within one or more of the teaching areas listed for the position
• [Optional] Reference letters

Applications without the above-mentioned required documents will not be assessed.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Appointment Order from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of 13 March 2012.

The IT University may use shortlisting in connection to the recruitment process. In case of shortlisting, the Chair of the hiring committee selects applicants for assessment in consultation with the hiring committee after the application deadline. All applicants are notified whether their application has been passed for assessment. The shortlisting of candidates for assessment is based on the criteria in the job posting.

Further information
Questions about the positions can be directed to Associate Professor, Elisa Mekler, IT University of Copenhagen, [email protected].
Questions related to the application procedure may be directed to HR, [email protected].

Application procedure
You can only apply for this position through our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button "Apply for position" in the job announcement on our website.

Please note that all application material will be destroyed after the assessment.

Application deadline: May 15th 2025, at 23:59 CET.

Applications/enclosures received at ITU after the application deadline will not be taken into consideration. If you submit an application, it is your responsibility to ensure that it arrives before the deadline so please allow sufficient time for upload of publications and other documents.

At The IT University of Copenhagen we have an international environment and view diversity as a valuable resource. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive working environment for all our employees and encourage all qualified applicants, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or ethnic background to apply for the position.