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- Tasks: Join us to innovate interactive technologies that enhance human skills and well-being.
- Company: The WellthLab at the University of Southampton focuses on impactful HCI research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative environment, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to social justice.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that challenges health tech norms and aims to #MakeNormalBetter for everyone.
- Qualifications: PhD in HCI, Computer Science, or related fields; programming skills in JavaScript, Python, or React required.
- Other info: Applications welcome from those nearing PhD completion; title of Research Fellow upon qualification.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 44100 £ per year.
Do you have a PhD in HCI, Computer Science, or Related? Are you Interested in innovating interactive technologies to help #MakeNormalBetter for all? You\’re an excellent and committed researcher? Come join the WellthLab
The WellthLab is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a strong background in Computer Science with a specialisation in Human Computer Interaction or related fields to join our team at the University of Southampton.
You should have experience in developing interactive tools/applications for HCI research; comfort with electronics sufficient to test tangible interactions is a plus. You can also demonstrate your competence in HCI methods including: user study methodologies, experimental design work, ranging from in-lab to in-the-wild deployments, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Proficiency in programming (e.g., JavaScript, Python, React for iOS/Android) is important. Additional strengths would include experience with physiological sensing (e.g., EEG, breathing, HRV, tactile interfaces), and comfort with raspberry pi/Arduino for prototyping. Knowledge in motor learning, physiology, neurology is an asset. Target publication venues for our work include ACM ToCHI, IJHCS, JMIR.
The WELLTHLAB Approach. Our approach, grounded in Inbodied Interaction , challenges mainstream paradigms of health tech by emphasizing minimal dose interaction design: minimal-data capture, emphasis on skill-building – we talk about building technology to help people get off technology.
Our lab operates within the School of Electronics and Computer Science, with strong interdisciplinary ties to physiology, sociology, psychology, medicine and design. We collaborate with leading researchers worldwide and maintain a culture of critical reflection, technical excellence, and social impact.
The WellthLab Community Ethos: Our goal is to help you thrive as a researcher. Part of that mission is to help you develop project collaborations and take leadership roles in the projects within the lab. We are therefore looking for people who have great attitude and skills; who can demonstrate these qualities, including from collaborating to leading peer reviewed papers, and who can work well towards success in both team work and solo efforts.
THEMES There are a number of projects happening in the WellthLab at any given time. You can find background information on our research and theory on the WellthLab website . Some of the projects include:
- Health UnGuides: XB – how to help people build healthful heuristics rather than habits to thrive anywhere, anytime
- Audio XR: CERA – exploring how interaction with physical objects/environments, and audio rather than video based AR can help enhance memory/learning
- Humanizing Computer Mediated Communication: Synthesizing co-presence – What does it mean to feel more \”human\” when online?
- Eliminating AGING- Elder Athletes and Incidental Interaction – Helping elders to build strength and balance by helping then do what they\’re already doing at home – with unwearables.
- You are not a Plant – The future of healthful work – interactive systems to re-imagine workplaces aligned with how we\’re wired to thrive.
- Sonficiation for learning, co-presence, and reduced cognitive load.
We also have a particular interest in physical, peripheral and environmental interactions and interface devices – with inspiration from Greenberg\’s Phidgets . That is, using physical devices in lieu of screen based interactions. WE focus more on interactions for healthfulness that are not focused on wearables but what we call contexutals.
Our moto in our lab is to help #MakeNormalBetter for all, at scale. We work from principles of human centred co-design. For this post, we are particularly keen to engage Computer Science-HCI researchers or similar who are passionate about and capable of building interactive technologies that can help enhance human skills, knowledge and practice to thrive, to be resilient, anywhere, anytime, any age. How can we help build the pathways towards better?
If you\’re a HCI researcher, ready and keen to take on these kinds of complex challenges towards real-world impact, we encourage you to apply. If you have any questions, please contact prof m.c. schraefel directly at hrit-rf@nopain2.org
Please Note: Equality, diversity and Inclusion is central to the School of Electronics and Computer Science. The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK\’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward. The WellthLab itself is committed to social justice, sustainability and contributing to a circular economy in all work.
*Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded, the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.
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- Job Description and Person Specification
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.
Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.
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Job Details
Section Agents, Interaction & Complexity Location: Highfield Campus Salary £36,130 to £44,128 per annum Full Time Fixed Term for 2 years Closing Date: Tuesday 09 September 2025 Interview Date To be confirmed Reference 3121325FP-R
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Research Fellow, Computer Science / HCI employer: University of Southampton
Contact Detail:
University of Southampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow, Computer Science / HCI
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the WellthLab's current projects and research themes. Understanding their focus areas, such as healthful heuristics and humanising computer-mediated communication, will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former members of the WellthLab or similar research groups. Engaging with them can provide insights into the lab culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews or discussions about your fit within the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your practical experience with HCI methods and tools. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've developed interactive applications or conducted user studies, as this will highlight your hands-on skills and align with the lab's emphasis on real-world impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your vision for future research in HCI that aligns with the WellthLab's mission to #MakeNormalBetter. Articulating how your research interests can contribute to their goals will set you apart as a candidate who is not only qualified but also passionate about their work.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow, Computer Science / HCI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in HCI and Computer Science. Focus on projects where you've developed interactive tools or applications, and include any programming languages you are proficient in, such as JavaScript or Python.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovating interactive technologies and how your research aligns with the WellthLab's mission to #MakeNormalBetter. Mention specific projects or methodologies that resonate with their work.
Highlight Research Experience: Detail your research experience, especially in user study methodologies and experimental design. Provide examples of your work in both lab and real-world settings, and mention any publications or presentations at relevant conferences.
Showcase Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively across disciplines. Mention any past experiences where you have worked with professionals from fields like psychology, sociology, or medicine, as this aligns with the WellthLab's interdisciplinary approach.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Southampton
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to HCI and interactive technologies. Highlight your methodologies, findings, and how they align with the WellthLab's mission to innovate for healthfulness.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Make sure to showcase your programming skills, particularly in JavaScript, Python, and React. If you have experience with tools like Raspberry Pi or Arduino, mention specific projects where you applied these skills.
✨Engage with Their Community Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the WellthLab's community ethos and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their collaborative environment. Emphasise your ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Projects
Research the ongoing projects at the WellthLab and prepare insightful questions about them. This shows your genuine interest in their work and helps you understand how you can fit into their team.
