PhD in Human-Computer Interaction and Inclusive Urban Mobility
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HCI for Accessible and Equitable Cities
University of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Application Deadline: 15 March 2026
Fully Funded PhD in HCI and Inclusive Urban Mobility
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Inclusive Urban Mobility within the Faculty of Science.
This doctoral position is part of the research project BEAT (Breaking Everyday Barriers to Inclusive City-Making), which investigates how informal and everyday urban mobility barriers affect people with physical and cognitive diversities. The project approaches mobility as a subjective human experience, focusing on how daily obstacles shape access to work, education, healthcare, and social life.
The research combines interaction design, urban planning, and policy analysis to develop inclusive, context-sensitive technological solutions.
Research Focus: Informal Urban Mobility Barriers (IUMBs)
Urban accessibility challenges are not limited to formal infrastructure gaps. Everyday temporary barriers—such as road works, construction sites, improperly parked vehicles, blocked sidewalks, or unauthorized market stalls—collectively create persistent inaccessibility in cities.
This PhD focuses on:
- Understanding lived experiences of urban mobility
- Studying informal accessibility barriers in real-world contexts
- Designing interactive technologies embedded in urban environments
- Co-creating solutions with people experiencing mobility challenges
The project uses Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research methods, including:
- Participatory design
- Research in the wild
- Co-design with communities
- Context-aware interaction design
Case Study Areas
The PhD research will contribute to three core urban contexts:
1. Mobility Hubs
Train stations and multimodal hubs that determine access to wider city regions.
2. Residential Areas
Neighborhood-level accessibility for routine, short-distance travel.
3. Green and Leisure Spaces
Parks and recreational areas that influence well-being and quality of life.
Academic Field and Research Domain
This PhD lies at the intersection of:
Primary Field
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
Core Disciplines
- Interaction Design
- Computer Science
- Urban Informatics
- Accessibility and Assistive Technology
- Inclusive Design
Applied Research Areas
- Smart Cities
- Urban Mobility Systems
- Civic Technology
- Disability and Technology Studies
The position is hosted at the Informatics Institute (IvI) within the Faculty of Science and embedded in the Digital Interactions Lab (DILAB), an interdisciplinary HCI research group focused on socio-technical systems.
Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Environment
This PhD is part of a larger collaborative research ecosystem including:
- Delft University of Technology (co-design of personalized wearable tools)
- University of Groningen (geographies of access research)
The project fosters collaboration across computer science, urban design, spatial sciences, and policy research.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Urban Design, or a related field
- Coursework in interaction design, HCI, urban analytics, or data-driven design
- Interest in accessibility, assistive technologies, and inclusive urban systems
- Experience working with communities or individuals with disabilities
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Dutch language skills (recommended but not mandatory)
Prior publications in HCI are advantageous but not required.
Employment Conditions
- 4-year PhD contract (initial 18 months with evaluation)
- Full-time position (38 hours per week)
- Gross monthly salary: €3,059 to €3,881
- 8% holiday allowance
- 8.3% year-end bonus
- 232 annual holiday hours
- Pension scheme (ABP)
- Parental leave benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- Support for relocation and housing
The PhD will result in a doctoral dissertation and includes participation in the university’s PhD training programme.
Research Environment
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with over 42,000 students and a strong international research profile.
The Faculty of Science includes approximately 8,000 students and 1,800 staff engaged in research across artificial intelligence, computational science, and interactive systems.
The Digital Interactions Lab focuses on bridging technology, social science, and psychology to design human-centered digital systems that improve societal well-being.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this PhD will develop expertise in:
- Human-centered AI and urban technologies
- Inclusive design for smart cities
- Accessibility-focused innovation
- Participatory design methodologies
- Socio-technical systems research
Career pathways include academia, civic technology innovation, urban policy, assistive technology development, and smart city research.
Why Study in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a global innovation hub with a strong research ecosystem in digital technology, urban design, and social sciences. The city offers an inclusive international environment and access to collaborative European research networks.
This PhD in HCI and Inclusive Urban Mobility is ideal for candidates passionate about accessibility, urban innovation, participatory design, and shaping equitable cities through interactive technology.
Apply now at : https://werkenbij.uva.nl/en/vacancies/phd-position-hci-and-inclusive-urban-mobility-university-of-amsterdam-netherlands-14853
