Junior Researcher (PhD) in Design for Cultural Heritage Immersive Experiences in the Design & Services Research Community - Lapin yliopisto - Rovaniemi, Finland

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position for three years focusing on the design of immersive cultural heritage experiences using virtual and mixed reality technologies. Research activities in the Design and Services RC support the University of Lapland´s strategic spearhead in research. The user experience research group conducts research at the cross-section of technology and design. Topics include innovative user interfaces and applications with emerging technologies, which are approached through user-centric design, co-design and by creating interactive design prototypes. The design and prototyping work leverages the state-of-the-art workshop facilities in XR and design. Your tasks The PhD research focuses on investigating the user experience with cultural heritage utilising virtual reality (VR) by concepting, prototyping and user testing. The candidate will work on designing and creating immersive cultural heritage experiences and virtual mementos by leveraging 3D modelling, AI design tools and immersive VR. The candidate will design and prototype mixed reality / VR prototypes and evaluate them with user studies. The position involves collaboration with the Faculty of Education, the Sámi pedagogics research group and museum and exhibition galleries to evaluate the prototypes and disseminate the research. The research utilises the MAGICS FIRI research infrastructure at the Faculty of Art and Design, especially the XR lab. The place of work is the Faculty of Art and Design of the University of Lapland, where the candidate will be based full-time during the employment relationship. Your duties will include: - conducting doctoral research on a topic aligned with the research agenda of user experience research group - completing the studies and credits required for the doctoral degree - carrying out research living up to the highest ethical standards, including applying for a research ethics permit if required by the topic - committing to the guidance and activities of the research community - potential teaching in your field and/or other academic tasks (max. 5% of working hours).