We are seeking a PhD candidate to explore cultural and ethical dimensions and prototypically develop and empirically research immersive tele-presence experiences for remote virtual tourism—allowing people to virtually visit Aotearoa New Zealand from anywhere in the world.
Applicants should have a strong background in human-computer interaction combined with a genuine interest in empirical studies and in working with people. In addition, applicants should have a solid technical background, preferably with experience in mixed reality (VR, AR, MR, XR).
The successful candidate will be expected to engage with external stakeholders (our research partners, tourism operators, and local communities) throughout the design and evaluation process, and so a willingness to learn and engage with the unique culture of Aotearoa New Zealand is a must.
The successful candidate will be expected to develop immersive technology probes and to conduct and report on (mixed methods) user studies to evaluate various aspects of the to-be-developed experiences. Possible areas of research include:
- Design and Development of functional technology probes to allow research partners and study participants to experience cultural presence in remote environments;
- Identification, development, and application of empirical measures for acceptance, perceptual, and ethical aspects of immersive remote tourism experiences;
- Research and development of cultural, engagement, and tele-co-presence measures in combination with observation and physiological/imaging measures;
- Co-design of minimally viable products demonstrable to end users and other stakeholders.
The position is funded as part of a larger project to investigate technology-supported tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand; see https://www.karapitipitingamariko.org for more information. The candidate will work within the Human Computer Interaction Group at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago, Dunedin, with the option to travel within the country as part of our regular stakeholder and community engagement.
The position is supported by funding of at least NZ$43,000 per year for 3.0 years. This includes a tax-free stipend of NZ$35,000 per year and a full university tuition fee waiver. The stipend is only available on the condition that the study is conducted in New Zealand. Funding is also available for some expenses, including travel to external stakeholders and national / international conferences.
The position is open to all nationalities (i.e., the successful applicant does not have to be NZ or Australian citizen). An international candidate (non-NZ or non-Australian) will be required to apply for a NZ student visa to be allowed to study in NZ. The location of PhD study is New Zealand.
Role requirements
- A master’s degree (or equivalent) in informatics, information systems, computer science or a related field – this must include a significant research component
- Strong research and solid technical skills
- The ability to live and study in New Zealand throughout the duration of the research (at least three years)
- A willingness to learn and engage with the unique culture of Aotearoa New Zealand, including Te Ao Māori
- Familiarity with HCI research methods
- Where English is not an applicant’s first or native language, evidence of English language proficiency that
meets the requirements for postgraduate study at the University of Otago will be required.
University of Otago English language requirements
To apply
Please email the following to jackie.rees@otago.ac.nz before the 31st of October 2025:
- Your Curriculum Vitae (CV), including any relevant qualifications and publications
- A copy of your academic transcript(s)
- A cover letter, including:
- a description of why you want to undertake a PhD,
- how your previous experiences have prepared you for the research project that you are applying for,
- what your passions are within or outside of academia,
- an indication of your potential start date.
Shortlisted applicants will also be requested to provide the names and contact details of two academic referees willing to provide confidential comments on your suitability for the project.
Closing date for applications
Applications close on the 31st of October 2025 at (AoE).
