The world is changing at an ever-faster pace. At the Johannes Kepler University Linz, we work on technologies and the ideas of tomorrow on a daily basis. At the same time, we educate over 24,000 young people to meet the demands of today’s job market. In short, we are Upper Austria’s largest institution for education and research. Are you interested in being a part of shaping the future at Austria’s most attractive campus university? We currently have a job opening starting 10/01/2024 for a:

Graduate Teaching Assistant (must hold a Diploma/Master's degree) at the Art x Science School for Transformation and the Institute of Computer Graphics for a 30-hour/week (part-time), four-year position

Job Reference Number: 77100-2024-000884

Since 2023, the Johannes Kepler University Linz is running the inter-university Art x Science School for Transformation in cooperation with the University of Applied Arts Vienna. The school combines the strengths and expertise of both universities with the aim of addressing the challenges of our time and shaping interdisciplinary, future-oriented teaching and research.

The Art x Science School for Transformation is offering five PhD positions in different subject areas. A JKU professor will be responsible for the primary supervision of the theses, while a professor from the University of Applied Arts Vienna will be responsible for the second supervision. The positions are assigned to the Art x Science School for Transformation.

The position involves writing a transdisciplinary dissertation at the interface of art and science. Furthermore, involvement in the organisational development of the Art x Science School for Transformation as well as support in teaching and research activities is expected.

Please submit an exposé (2 to 4 pages) of your planned doctoral project with your application documents.

Job Duties:

• Doctoral studies and complete a doctoral dissertation in the below mentioned topic of the PhD project 
• Writing scientific publications and present at conferences 
• Participation in projects, organisation and further development of the Art x Science School for Transformation 
• Communication and knowledge transfer 
• Teaching in the field of the PhD topic and the study programs of the Art x Science School for Transformation 

Your Qualifications:

• The successful candidate must hold a Diploma/Master’s degree in computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Game Development or a corresponding discipline 
• Very good scientific skills and strong interest in Games Research 
• Experience with Game Engines (z.B.: Unity, Unreal) 
• Interest in user studies 
• Demonstrate strong motivation to conduct inter- and transdisciplinary research at the interface of computer science, design and art 
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (min. Level C1) 
• German language skills are an advantage 
• Interface competence and communication skills 
• Structured and analytical approach, strong realisation skills and the ability to work well independently 
• Affinity for art, science and research with a focus on innovation, digitalisation, inter- and transdisciplinarity and new technologies 
• Willingness to travel 
• Curiosity and a strong willingness to learn 
• High level of commitment and responsibility 
• Willingness to be part of a team and a strong social skill set 

What We Offer:

• On the basis of full-time employment (40 hours/week) the minimum salary in accordance with the collective agreement is € 3,578.80 gross per month (14 x per year, CA Job Grade: B1)
• Stable employer
• Attractive campus environment with good public transportation connections
• Attractive continual educational opportunities
• State-of-the-art research infrastructure
• Dynamic research environment
• Broad range of on-campus dining services/healthy meals (organic food at the cafeteria)
• Exercise and sports classes (USI)
• …and much more

Application Deadline: 07/31/2024.

First supervisor: Prof. Günter Wallner, Institute of Computer Graphics
Scientific field(s): Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Game Development, Games with a Purpose, Citizen Science
Topic of the PhD project: Climate change has been recognized as a key societal challenge which requires transdisciplinary research for developing solutions. Digital games have shown much promise in educating and engaging people across all levels of society on important subject matters including climate change.The goal of this dissertation project is to a) build such a playful simulation through participatory design and b) assess the potential of such a simulation to engage players individually and collectively. This includes establishing the theoretical foundations for the project; developing a dynamic, modular, and playful simulation; designing scenarios for the simulation; and conducting evaluations at different stages of an the iterative design process.
The PhD topic aims to advance our understanding of the potential of play for transformation, contribute new game design knowledge on how to inspire climate action, and investigate how artistic reflections on climate change can be harnessed for participatory and citizen science.

The Johannes Kepler University wishes to increase the proportion of academic female faculty and, for this reason, especially welcomes applications by qualified women. If applicants are equally qualified, a woman will be given preference for this position. The university welcomes applications from qualified applicants with disabilities. These applications will be given special consideration.

How to Apply:

Prospective applicants interested in the multifaceted position are requested to electronically send an application in adherence to the stated criteria together with the requested documentation via our online portal www.jku.at/career or to the Johannes Kepler University Linz, Department of Human Resource Management, Altenberger Straße 69, A-4040 Linz. Please include “Job Reference Number 77100-2024-000884“ in your application.

Contact:

For further information please contact: Prof. Günter Wallner (Institut für Computergrafik), e-mail: guenter.wallner@jku.at and Dr. Georg Hubmann (Art x Science School for Transformation), e-mail: georg.hubmann@jku.at.