PhD student in technical Human-Computer Interaction (Touch input, Capacitive sensing, Grasp interaction)

The Sensing, Interaction & Perception Lab is looking for a PhD student in technical Human-Computer Interaction will a focus on touch detection based on capacitive sensing (on smartphones and tablets) and interaction techniques based on multitouch input. In the project, we will process the raw capacitive images provided by mobile devices to infer rich input parameters of touch and grasp input.

To learn more about our research, check out our website.

Our group's prior research that is related to this position:

• TouchPose: Hand Pose Prediction, Depth Estimation, and Touch Classification from Capacitive Images
• Pre-Touch Sensing for Mobile Interaction
• CapContact: Super-resolution Contact Areas from Capacitive Touchscreens
• Bodyprint: Biometric User Identification on Mobile Devices Using the Capacitive Touchscreen to Scan Body Parts

This PhD position lies at the intersection of technical Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and novel sensing technologies, focusing on touch input and grasp interaction using capacitive sensing. The aim is to push the boundaries of how mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, can leverage their raw capacitive images to extract rich interaction parameters, such as finger orientation, contact shape, and grip patterns.

By processing these raw signals, this project will enable new ways of understanding and utilizing touch and grasp input for innovative interaction techniques, enhancing the user experience for mobile and multitouch interfaces.

The research will build on our previous work in this space and aim to advance the current state of the art in input detection, touch modeling, and rich natural input sensing based on capacitive sensing.

Through this project, you will address fundamental challenges such as:

• How can raw capacitive data be processed to infer detailed and nuanced input parameters from human input (e.g., fingers, hands, poses) and properties of the person?
• What novel interaction techniques can be enabled by understanding touch and grasp at a deeper level?
• How can these innovations contribute to more seamless and intuitive mobile device interaction?

As part of this position, you will work within a multidisciplinary team to advance the state of the art in HCI and capacitive sensing.

• Conduct research on capacitive sensing for touch and grasp detection.
• Develop algorithms to process raw capacitive images into rich input parameters.
• Design and prototype novel interaction techniques for mobile and multitouch devices.
• Evaluate the usability and performance of touch and grasp-based interactions.
• Publish research findings in leading HCI and related academic venues.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners on interdisciplinary projects.
• Supervise or mentor undergraduate or master’s students on related topics.
• Present research at international conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the lab’s collaborative and innovative research environment.

We are seeking a motivated and talented candidate with the following qualifications:

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Academic Background: A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on HCI, machine learning, or applied computer vision.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, C++, or similar) and experience with basic signal processing, computer vision, or machine learning frameworks.
• Research Orientation: Demonstrated ability to conduct research, as evidenced by thesis work, academic projects, or optionally prior publications.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for effective collaboration and dissemination of research findings.

Suitable backgrounds:

Your background should be in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Electrical Engineering, or Robotics. You should have

• Hands-on experience with input sensing technologies or multitouch interfaces (e.g., capacitive sensing, optical touch sensing)
• Basic knowledge of gesture recognition, computer vision, or deep learning techniques
• Shown experience in prototyping interactive systems and familiarity with interaction techniques
• Strong problem-solving and technical debugging skills
• Optional: experience with designing and conducting user experiments, human-centered design principles and usability testing

ETH requirements:

• written and spoken fluency in English
• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related

This position provides a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact research in a dynamic and supportive lab environment. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of Human-Computer Interaction, we encourage you to apply and join us in shaping the future of mobile device interaction.

We offer an exciting environment to study and work in.

For more information, check out:

• our projects in the Sensing, Interaction & Perception Lab
• the SIPLAB team
• Christian Holz (PI)

ETH has several internationally recognized research groups dedicated to human-computer interaction, prototyping, electrical engineering, robotics, signal processing, and machine learning. We collaborate with several of them as well as institutions and companies in Switzerland and abroad.