PhD Position Cognitive Guidance in XR to Improve Independent Mobility for People with Disabilities
€ 3.204 - € 4.051 per maandVast, Tijdelijk
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Are you passionate about human behavior, XR technology, and real societal impact? Join us in studying how people interact with complex environments and empowering individuals with disabilities with XR Job description
Navigating complex public transportation environments is an enormous challenge for many individuals with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities, limiting their independence and participation in society. Recent advances in immersive eXtended Reality (XR) using off-the-shelf head-mounted displays (HMDs), wearable sensing/actuation technologies, cognitive science, and AI offer unique opportunities to create personalized training and assistive systems that can support people with disabilities in developing and applying navigation skills in a safe and personalized manner. However, it is an open question how these technologies should be designed and tailored to the highly diverse, dynamic, and individualized needs of people with disabilities. In this PhD project, you will design and evaluate immersive XR experiences that allow users to safely acquire navigation skills in realistic environments such as public transportation hubs, university campuses, and airports. You will focus on decision making and learning in challenging scenarios such as safely crossing a busy bike path or interacting with a passing vehicle. Specifically, you will investigate how modulated external stimuli (ranging from quiet, empty settings to highly crowded, noisy environments) influence user decision making and motor behavior, and how repeated exposure can modulate these processes over time. You will then develop XR applications that provide real-time guidance through visual, auditory, or haptic feedback in everyday situations. Using wearable devices, machine learning, and cognitive models you will investigate how behavioral, physiological, and cognitive data can be used to inform real-time guidance, personalize training, monitor progress, and adapt support to users' changing needs. This highly interdisciplinary project involves close collaboration with researchers, accessibility organizations, technology developers, and lived experience experts. You will have the opportunity to conduct user studies, develop novel algorithms, build immersive/augmented realities, and validate your solutions in real-world settings. This PhD is ideal for candidates interested in one or more of the following areas:
You are a highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, , Rehabilitation Engineering, Industrial Design, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. Further, you have:
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work. Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Laura Marchal Crespo ( Het emailadres op academictransfer.com bekijken ). Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 September 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
Navigating complex public transportation environments is an enormous challenge for many individuals with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities, limiting their independence and participation in society. Recent advances in immersive eXtended Reality (XR) using off-the-shelf head-mounted displays (HMDs), wearable sensing/actuation technologies, cognitive science, and AI offer unique opportunities to create personalized training and assistive systems that can support people with disabilities in developing and applying navigation skills in a safe and personalized manner. However, it is an open question how these technologies should be designed and tailored to the highly diverse, dynamic, and individualized needs of people with disabilities. In this PhD project, you will design and evaluate immersive XR experiences that allow users to safely acquire navigation skills in realistic environments such as public transportation hubs, university campuses, and airports. You will focus on decision making and learning in challenging scenarios such as safely crossing a busy bike path or interacting with a passing vehicle. Specifically, you will investigate how modulated external stimuli (ranging from quiet, empty settings to highly crowded, noisy environments) influence user decision making and motor behavior, and how repeated exposure can modulate these processes over time. You will then develop XR applications that provide real-time guidance through visual, auditory, or haptic feedback in everyday situations. Using wearable devices, machine learning, and cognitive models you will investigate how behavioral, physiological, and cognitive data can be used to inform real-time guidance, personalize training, monitor progress, and adapt support to users' changing needs. This highly interdisciplinary project involves close collaboration with researchers, accessibility organizations, technology developers, and lived experience experts. You will have the opportunity to conduct user studies, develop novel algorithms, build immersive/augmented realities, and validate your solutions in real-world settings. This PhD is ideal for candidates interested in one or more of the following areas:
- Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR)
- Cognitive Modeling and Decision Making
- Motor Learning
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Wearable Technologies and sensors
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Human Factors
- Accessibility and Inclusive Design
You are a highly motivated candidate with a MSc degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, , Rehabilitation Engineering, Industrial Design, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. Further, you have:
- Open-mindedness and strong motivation to embark on interdisciplinary research
- Solid programming skills
- Experience with experimental research involving human participants
- Interest or background in cognitive modeling, human decision-making, or behavioral data analysis
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Affinity with teaching and supervising students
- Proficiency in verbal and written English
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. Faculty Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work. Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service , offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Laura Marchal Crespo ( Het emailadres op academictransfer.com bekijken ). Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 September 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A letter of motivation explaining why you are the right candidate for this project, and a brief description of how you plan to contribute to this project (no more than 2 pages).
- A detailed CV, including a list of academic publications (if any), and a list of projects you have worked on with brief descriptions of your contributions.
- A complete record of Bachelor and Master courses (including grades).
- Your Master Thesis (at least as draft).
- If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of at least two or three references with their consent.
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Vacature geplaatst op maand geleden
Soortgelijke banen die u mogelijk interesserenOp basis van de vacature PhD Position Cognitive Guidance in XR to Improve Independent Mobility for People with Disabilities in Delft
€ 3.059 - € 3.881 per maand
...better decisions for adaptive reuse... ...cycle. As a PhD researcher... ...you will develop improved approaches that... ...your research independently and work in a structured... ...AI), and smart mobility every day. Our... ...TU Delft, our people make the... ...are working to improve the built environment...PhDMet contractStageFulltime€ 3.204 - € 4.051 per maand
...address. As a PhD candidate at TU Delft... ...quantum states, improving the performance of... ...mechanical systems for sensing, metrology... ...develop into an independent researcher in theoretical... ...(AI), and smart mobility every day. Our... ...At TU Delft, our people make the difference...PhDMet contractStageFulltime€ 3.204 - € 4.051 per maand
...This PhD builds digital twins that design themselves... ...field of digital twins for infrastructure systems,... ...able to work towards improving our state-of-the-art advanced... ..., optimization, or mobility systems). Strong... ...future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference....PhDMet contractStageFulltime€ 3.059 - € 3.881 per maand
...robust decisions for sustainable buildings... ...is hiring a PhD researcher on “Uncertainty... ...are able to work independently, take initiative... ...(AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education... ...At TU Delft, our people make the... ...students are working to improve the built environment...PhDMet contractStageFulltime- ...contrail formation pathways for various particles... ...Job requirements A PHD degree in a relevant... ...Ability to learn independently and passion for research... ...intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education... ...future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference....PhDMet contractStage
€ 3.204 - € 4.051 per maand
...We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position in the area of Scientific... ...). Ability to work independently (taking initiative, being organized... ...(AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and... ...future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their...PhDMet contractStageFulltime- ...Delft is looking for an Assistant or... ...develop an independent research program... ...health, climate, mobility, robotics, or... ...will supervise PhD candidates, postdoctoral... ...TU Delft, our people make the... ...offers training to improve English... ...personal one-on-one guidance to help you...PhDMet contractStageFulltimeThuiswerk
- ...we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum... ...on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from... ...include extending bandwidth, improving noise performance, and... .... Your Profile ~ PhD or equivalent industry... .... ~ Track record of independent, creative problem-...PhDFulltime
- ...heights of impact. Our people enable continuous... ...on best practices for maintenance and... ...areas for improvement. Training and Development... ...on-the-job guidance. Continuous Improvement... ...~ Masters or PHD degree in Engineering... ...or mental disability, national origin,...PhDFulltime
- ...With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum... ...delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling... ...-edge quantum hardware to improve performance, coherence, and scalability... ...of industry experience or a PhD with relevant hands-on work...PhDFulltime
- ...With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum... ...delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling... ...models and implement design improvements at both the chip and board levels... ...~ Education: MSc or PhD in Electrical Engineering with...PhDFulltime
- ...With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum... ...delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling... ...Software: Implement, improve, test, and maintain automated... ...Profile Education & Background: PhD (or Master’s degree with 2+ years...PhDFulltime
- ...With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum... ...delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling... ...process parameters for yield improvement. Use data driven decision making... .... Your Profile ~ MSc or PhD in Physics, Materials Science,...PhDFulltime
€ 3.724 - € 5.867 per maand
...the Department of Neuroscience at Erasmus MC is looking for a passionate Postdoc (exceptional PhD candidates may also apply) to join our team and... ...next generation of intraoperative neurosurgical image guidance. Currently, neurosurgeons lack real-time, volumetric visualization...PhDMet contract- ...With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum... ...delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling... ...process engineering teams to improve process monitoring and excursion... ...Must Have ~ BSc/MSc/PhD in Engineering, Computer Science...PhDFulltime
- ...facades Impact | Improved health and lower... ...future energy use for cooling. While nature... ...closely work with 4 PhD candidates across the... ...(AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education... ...At TU Delft, our people make the difference... ...are working to improve the built environment...PhDMet contractStage
- ...qualifications: An PhD degree in either... ...make a difference. For over 180 years, we have... ...intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education... .... At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With... ...and product improvement, materials, processes and...PhDMet contractStage
€ 3.059 - € 3.881 per maand
...renovation? This PhD investigates nature... ...renovation design for climate resilience... ...The ability to work independently, and as part of a... ...(AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education... ...At TU Delft, our people make the... ...students are working to improve the built environment...PhDMet contractStageFulltime- ...integrated sensors and mixed-signal readout ICs for flexible electronic skin, enabling fast,... ...and in journals, and co-supervise MSc and PhD candidates. You will work at the... ...challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations...PhDMet contractStage
- ...scale simulations for high-temperature thermal... ...motivated and independent postdoctoral... ...requirements: A PhD degree in chemical... ...intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our... ...At TU Delft, our people make the... ...application and product improvement, materials,...PhDMet contractStage
- ...-resistant steels for a circular economy... ...directly relevant to improving the recyclability... ...steels. You are independent but also a good team... ...You hold a PhD degree in Materials... ...intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our... ...At TU Delft, our people make the...PhDMet contractStage
€ 3.059 - € 3.881 per maand
...this is position is for you. Job... ...students (MSc or PhD) and senior researchers... ...Is able to work independently towards producing... ...intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our... ...At TU Delft, our people make the... ...application and product improvement, materials, processes...PhDMet contractStageFulltime€ 3.204 - € 4.051 per maand
...be predicted reliably. For instance, the best available... ...industrial slurries, improve our understanding of... ...manufacturing processes. This PhD position is part of the... ...(AI), and smart mobility every day. Our... ...future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With...PhDMet contractStageFulltime- ...processors. With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum computers that... .... And delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling the hardest... ...engineering, or a related field (PhD is a plus) Don't tick every box? Apply...PhDFulltime
- ...processors. With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum computers that... .... And delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling the hardest... ...is highly preferred. Education: PhD in Quantum Computing, Computer Science or...PhDFulltime
- ...processors. With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum computers that... .... And delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling the hardest... ...Your Profile Education: Master’s or PhD in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering...PhDFulltime
- ...QphoX is looking for a new member to join us in developing and building our quantum transducers... ...for this role if you have or are: PhD or at least four years industry experience... ...place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to learn, to live their passion...PhDFulltime
- ...process flows and refine recipes for complex multi-layer thin-film... ...Identify process bottlenecks, improve reproducibility and yield, and... ...and Qualifications ~ MSc or PhD in Physics, Nanotechnology,... ...environment, with strong capability to independently design, fabricate, and iterate...PhDFulltime
- ...FUTURE We are looking for an IT Product Owner... ...processes and IT solutions to improve step by step all... ...or in a related field (PhD is a plus) ~5+ years of... ...We really value our people, and we've worked hard... ...salary and bonus scheme ~ Mobility allowance plus ability...PhDOp afstand werkenThuiswerk
- ...processors. With VIO, we are paving the way for the hyper-scale quantum computers that... .... And delivering on that vision demands people who don’t shy away from tackling the hardest... .... ~ Education: Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering...PhDFulltime
Wilt u meer vacatures ontvangen?
Abonneer u om vacatures voor PhD Position Cognitive Guidance in XR to Improve Independent Mobility for People with Disabilities te ontvangen. Solliciteer als eerste!
