PhD Candidate - AI-driven Human-Machine Interaction - Voice Assistants (f/m/d)

We are CARIAD, the automotive software company of the Volkswagen Group. Our teams build automotive software platforms and digital customer functions for iconic brands like Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche – supporting the Volkswagen Group in becoming the leading automotive technology company. With CARIDIANS in Germany, the USA, China, Estonia, and India, we are transforming automotive mobility for everyone.

Join us and be part of this exciting journey!

YOUR TEAM

The aim of our PhD Program is to promote innovative topics that are relevant to CARIAD. We cooperate with top universities and bring new research projects to life. Our PhD candidates get the opportunity to create new innovations in their projects for CARIAD and the respective scientific field. All PhD projects are accompanied by a supervising professor and a dedicated CARIAD mentor. Our PhD candidates further benefit from development programs and a strong academic exchange within the internal PhD network.  

We offer an exciting opportunity for a PhD dissertation in our pre-development team, working at the intersection of User Experience and Artificial Intelligence. With a mix of competencies across UX & UI, AI, data, and rapid prototyping, we combine hands‑on development with early concept validation. This creates a unique environment that blends series‑close development, an innovative mindset, and solid academic research. In our daily work, we tackle the fundamental transformation, evolving traditional in‑car assistant systems into AI‑enabled companions capable of engaging in natural dialogues and supporting interactions beyond the vehicle domain. With the recent introduction of such systems on the market, we now have the chance to systematically accompany this evolution "in the wild" in the coming years. 

Under the claim “AI-driven Human-Machine Interaction – Accompanying the next-generation of voice assistants in the car from now to the future”, this dissertation aims to understand how users learn, adapt to, and continuously interact with AI-enabled in-car assistants, starting with the first contact. You will generate data-driven insights into these developmental and learning processes, and apply them to build a human-centered AI experience for the car of the future. In doing so, this PhD project contributes to the next-generation of voice assistants within the VW Group, as well as CARIAD’s data strategy.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Analysis of user behavior both on the functional level (e.g., usage of assistant functions) and on the interaction level (e.g., linguistic patterns, dialog structures, speech behavior) gained through qualitative and quantitative user research, experimental setups, as well as big data campaigns
• Derivation of insights and user needs based following human-centered design standards
• Conceptualization, design, prototyping and evaluation of system solutions that support users across the product life cycle  

Potential research questions are:

• Learning curves: What phases do user go through? How can system design support them in developing a holistic understanding of the assistant, and efficiently using it? Are there differences between different user groups depending on their prior experience with voice assistants?
• Usage behavior: Which functions are used most frequently via speech, and which functions are rarely used, and why? How does the use of the assistant and its functional capabilities change with the familiarization process?
• Behavioral adaptation: How do both interaction patterns and linguistic behavior toward the assistant change over time?
• Relationship dynamics: Do users develop a relationship with the assistant? How is this relationship reflected in their behavior? Are there parallels to the development of interpersonal relationships?

WHO YOU ARE

While maintaining a clear focus on the user, the ideal candidate also brings a strong technical mindset and affinity for AI‑driven systems. We are looking for someone with:

• A Master’s degree in Cognitive Science, Psychology, Human‑Machine Interaction, Interaction Design, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A strong background in human‑centered design, with hands‑on experience in both qualitative and quantitative user research methods, and UX concept and prototyping skills (e.g., Figjam and Frontify)
• Solid knowledge in data engineering and data analytics, including proficiency in the corresponding coding skills (e.g., Python, data pipelines, statistical analysis).
• An interdisciplinary mindset, capable of bridging UX research and AI technology to generate meaningful insights and develop user‑centric solutions

NICE TO KNOW

• Duration: 3 years
• Working with high-ranked University
• Possibility to supervise students
• Remote work options
• Temporary work from abroad in selected countries
• 30 days paid leave
• Special Events e.g. PhD-Day (Doktorandentag), Trainings 
• Note: Please attach a transcript of records including a module overview to your application via the system after you have submitted your application. Otherwise the application cannot be processed 
• Important: The PhD admission requirements are set by the university and candidates have to fulfill these requirements before starting their projects. Candidates need a confirmation by the supervisor professor before onboarding (not necessary for application) 
  If you have further questions about the candidate journey at CARIAD, please contact us: careers@cariad.technology

At CARIAD, we embrace individuality and diversity because we believe our differences make us stronger. We actively seek to build teams with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. If you need assistance with your application due to a disability, please reach out to us at careers@cariad.technology - we are happy to support you.