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).

We offer

• a clear and structured study framework within a multidisciplinary academic community, making it possible to complete a doctoral degree in 3 years
• supervision by senior staff at the research community
• a multidisciplinary, working environment that is competent in different design and prototyping techniques
• high-level skills for careers in academia or other demanding educational, development and expert roles in society
• an engaging research environment with opportunities for multidisciplinary research collaboration
• state-of-the-art research infrastructure and design labs.

We expect

• a suitable master’s degree in design, human–computer interaction or related disciplines
• competence in creating immersive VR prototypes
• genuine research interest in conducting state-of-the-art research
• proficiency in English
• a collaborative, proactive, self-directed and responsible work ethic.

These positions are intended for applicants who are starting their doctoral research. To be eligible, applicants must not currently hold a right to pursue a doctoral degree in any university in any country. Selected candidates are expected to apply for doctoral study rights during the University of Lapland’s application period in spring 2027 (2–16 February 2027).

Required Application Documents

The required documents should be submitted in English.

If you have used generative AI in your documents, specify how it was utilised.

The required documents are:

1. a doctoral research plan that follows the template (which can be found at Application enclosures for Doctoral education - University of Lapland) and is a max. length of 5 pages (including the bibliography but excluding covers and potential appendices); if the research includes an artistic or production-oriented component, justify its significance
2. a one-page summary of the research plan, including contact information (address, telephone number, email address)
3. a one-page motivation letter that includes a hand-signed declaration stating that all the information provided in your application documents is accurate and complete
4. an academic CV (use the TENK template: https://tenk.fi/en/advice-and-materials/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae), including the names and contact information of two (2) references
5. copies of degree certificates
6. copies of certificates showing language skills if language skills are not specified in the degree certificate. 

Further information on the position

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Jonna Häkkilä (with questions about the content of the position) jonna.hakkila(at)ulapland.fi. If you have questions about the recruitment process, contact tutkijakoulu(at)ulapland.fi.

Note: Due to the holiday season, email inquiries received in July will be answered in August.

Workplace address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 Rovaniemi, Finland
Employment duration: 3 years full-time, starting on 1 January 2027
Probation period: 6 months
Salary: The salary is based on the university salary system for teaching and research staff (demand level 2), with a starting salary of approximately €2,714/month. The task-specific component is €2,281.48/month, and a personal performance component of up to 50% may be added. The salary will increase when 50% and 75% of the dissertation have been completed.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an on-site or online interview at the end of August.

University of Lapland

The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective – for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.

The University of Lapland values equality and diversity within its community.