2026 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Research Group invites expressions of interest from researchers seeking to apply to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call with Birmingham City University as their host institution.
Our team actively publishes research at top HCI venues such as CHI, ISMAR, DIS and ASSETS, and plays key roles in organising leading international events to shape the future of the field. We conduct world-leading research on accessibility and assistive technology, XR and immersive technology, and autonomous vehicles, working closely with regional, national, and international organisations to address real-world challenges through technical innovations.
About the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Postdoctoral Fellowships action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad for a period of 1 to 2 years, acquire new skills and develop their careers. There are two types of fellowships:
Areas of interest
The HCI Research Group is particularly interested in hosting potential postdoctoral fellows conducting high-quality research in the following areas:
- Accessibility and Assistive Technologies for Disabled People (across a spectrum of physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments)
- Inclusive and Accessible XR Technology
- Haptics and Multisensory Interfaces for Accessibility
- Accessible and Inclusive Design for Artistic and Creative Work
- Inclusive Games and Interactive Media
- Participatory and Co-Design Approaches in Accessible Computing Research
Funding details
Successful MSCA Postdoctoral Fellows receive support in the form of a living allowance, a mobility allowance, and if applicable, family and long-term leave and special needs allowances. Additional funding is provided for research, training, and networking activities. The salary and expense allocations for the fellowships can be found on pages 77 and 78 of the Horizon Europe Work Programme - 2026-2027 - Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions.
Expression of interest process
Expressions of interest should be sent to Dr Arthur Theil, Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction, (arthur.theil@bcu.ac.uk) by Friday 1st May 2026.
Please send two documents:
- A 2-page CV covering area of expertise, education, professional experience, publications in leading HCI journals and conferences, awards, etc.
- A 2-page research proposal consisting of a summary of the proposed research project including the aims and objectives, methodology and planned outputs.
- The proposal should include a statement on the suitability of the proposed project and how it complements the research expertise at the HCI research group and BCU, referencing our research focus and a potential for contributing to our expertise in accessibility, assistive technology, and XR technology.
- Confirmation of the fellowship for which you would like to apply - European or Global fellowship, including a statement of your eligibility to apply, particularly in terms of mobility requirements and research experience since PhD. More information can be found on the MSCA programme website.
An internal selection process will determine which candidates will be invited to go forward to develop a full postdoctoral fellowship proposal with the HCI research group and BCU as a host. A programme of mentoring and proposal development will be offered to selected candidates in the lead up to the call deadline (9th September 2026).
Tentative timeline
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1st May 2026: deadline to submit your initial expression of interest via email
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9 September 2026: deadline for submitting full proposals
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February 2027: notification of call results to applicants
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February 2027: notification of call results to applicants
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May 2027: first funded projects start