Position Overview

PhD Researchers will explore new areas of technology and help Autodesk (as well as the academic community) understand how emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve creation and design processes. Within the HCI and Visualization research group, you and your mentor(s) will arrive at a mutually agreed upon research project in the area of human-computer interaction or data visualization. Over the course of the internship, you will drive that project forward with guidance from your mentor(s), including implementation, experimental validation, data analysis, etc. Specific areas of interest for research projects include: User Interfaces for generative AI or Machine Learning Systems, Information Visualization, Software Learning, Future of Work, Generative Design Tools, Interactive Fabrication, and, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality.

Responsibilities

• Support the research and design efforts by developing software prototypes

• Conduct literature reviews

• Gather requirements and issues to explore and design

• Develop algorithms

• Build prototypes to test and explore concepts

• Conduct formal controlled psychological experiments to test research ideas and hypotheses

• Measure human performance and cognition limitations related to interaction with technology

• Conduct usability studies, ethnographic studies, heuristic evaluations, task analyses, structured interviews and surveys

• Evaluate research findings and prototypes to make recommendations for impacting business and products.

• Explore new prototyping frameworks and technologies

• Author a full research paper

• Produce an accompanying research video

• Present the results of your research externally and internally

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or related field, with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction

• Demonstrated expertise in the area of interactive technologies, with peer-reviewed publications on the topic in international venues

• Strong communication skills and teamwork experience

• Very strong technical skills in building software prototypes

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with modern generative AI tools and frameworks (e.g., GPT, Llama, Stable Diffusion, ComfyUI)

• Experience with web development and frameworks (e.g., React/Next.js, Node.js/Flask, etc.).

• Experience interfacing with unique hardware modules

• Experience developing software in a Windows or MacOS environment

• Experience developing software for AR or VR equipment (e.g., Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro)

• Experience with programming 3D graphics, Unity, Unreal Engine

• Experimental design and data analysis

• Rapid prototyping

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team; ability to work with minimum supervision, self-driven

• Ability to deal with requirements from multiple sources and find solutions and deal with conflicts and compromises in a diplomatic manner

• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with other teams

• Ability to write clear, concise, correct technical material

About the PhD Research Program  

The 2027 PhD Research program runs for 16 weeks (Feb 1 – May 21 2026). You will contribute to meaningful projects, be mentored by industry leaders, and participate in tech talks and other activities designed to support your personal and professional development. Our roles align with Autodesk’s Flexible Workplace approach, which is designed to meet the needs of our business while providing flexibility in support of office, remote and hybrid work preferences.

About Autodesk

Welcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.

We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.

When you’re an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!

Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience, educational level, and geographic location.

Belonging
We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/global-belonging

In-Person Onboarding and Identity Verification

This role may require in-person onboarding and/or in-person ID verification.