Field of Research & Scope

This PhD project investigates how AI development affects more-than-human communities. By examining AI’s socio-ecological and material conditions through multispecies ethnography, and by establishing a network of More-than-Human Living Labs, the project asks how design and art can make these relations perceptible and contestable, while prototyping alternatives. Moving beyond dominant understandings of AI as an immaterial computational system, the project examines how AI systems entangle humans and nonhumans, including species, land, infrastructures, minerals, labor, ecosystems, and local communities, with particular attention to the Global South.

The research is interested in

(1) developing conceptual and practical approaches for studying the impacts of AI on more-than-human communities;

(2) documenting, through multispecies ethnography, how AI infrastructures reshape relations among humans, nonhumans, technologies, and environments; and

(3) developing design- and art-led projects that support situated, regenerative, and ecological perspectives on AI. 

Program Structure

IT:U offers a 4-year, structured PhD program.   
  
In the first year, emphasis is placed on focused group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS). The first year concludes with a PhD Proposal Presentation. Over the next three years, students will develop and write their PhD theses. This is accompanied by interdisciplinary research seminars and work as a project assistant. The PhD program concludes after the 4th year with the submission and defense of the PhD thesis.  
  
  
Click here to view the curriculum.

We offer

• Collaborations: The PhD researcher will be embedded in the Ars Electronica ecosystem, with opportunities to develop educational material, facilitate workshops with external partners, and create work for the Ars Electronica Festival. The researcher will also collaborate with leading international researchers and with interdisciplinary research groups within IT:U.
• International mobility and exchange: Selected candidates will benefit from interactions with the PI’s collaborators and colleagues across Europe, South America, USA, Australia and New Zealand, who are happy to host PhD students for short stays.
• Professional and personal development: With the PI’s experience in managing people both in academia and industry, as well as an international and diverse interdisciplinary background, doctoral students will receive comprehensive guidance throughout their academic journey at IT:U and beyond. 

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Write academic publications and present research at leading international venues in design and HCI
• Conduct qualitative and design-led field research in Europe and the Global South  
• Develop experimental design methods, artefacts, prototypes, and interventions  
• Contribute to establishing a network of More-than-Human Living Labs  
• Contribute to workshops, exhibitions, and other public-facing activities  
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research groups within and beyond IT:U  
• Contribute to academic teaching for up to two weekly credit hours  
• Contribute to applications for third-party research funding  
• Comply with IT:U’s academic and ethical standards 

Skills & Qualifications needed

• A Master’s degree in design, art, media arts, anthropology, HCI, or another relevant field  
• Strong motivation and an interest in the social, political, material, and ecological dimensions of technology  
• Experience with qualitative, participatory, and/or research-through-design methods  
• Experience with digital and physical prototyping is desirable  
• Familiarity with coding or electronics, or a willingness to develop skills in interactive prototyping  
• Experience creating and exhibiting work in exhibitions or festivals is an advantage  
• Ability to work and think independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment  
• Strong written and spoken English 

What you can expect

• Innovative and stimulating working conditions in an interdisciplinary, international research environment
• Office kitchen with complimentary basic supplies
• Climate Ticket Upper Austria (optimal public transportation connections)
• We offer a gross salary in line with the FWF salary rate of EUR 2.832,10 (30h)

How to apply

Please fill in the online application form and upload your files at:  
https://apply.it-u.at/ 
 

• Curriculum Vitae 
• Bachelor’s and master's diploma (or equivalent)  
• Bachelor's and master’s transcript of records
• Motivational letter (2 pages max.)
• Up to 3 contacts of professors/collaborators for recommendations 

We look forward to receiving your online application. 

Application deadline: September 14, 2026