SICK is one of the world’s leading solutions providers for sensor-based applications in the industrial sector. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With 63 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. SICK has more than 10,000 employees worldwide and generated a group revenue of EUR 2.1 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.

Job Description
Thesis: Human-centered approaches for innovative digital technology & user interfaces*

Winter Semester 2025/26 – Fixed-term for 3–6 months


A human-centered approach is essential for innovative digital technologies, the development of interactive systems, and the optimization of business processes. Our focus areas include virtualization and simulation, linked data and knowledge graphs, gamification, the industrial metaverse, artificial intelligence, user experience (UX), and human-centered design for new user interfaces (e.g., dialogue systems, virtual/augmented/mixed reality, voice interfaces). Our goal is to explore new approaches, assess their value for SICK, and develop a human-centered framework that enhances user interaction with systems. This involves reviewing scientific research, developing and evaluating concepts, implementing solutions, and conducting thorough assessments. The thesis can focus on specific areas of interest, and independent research questions are highly encouraged.


YOUR TASKS:

  • Define the focus of your thesis in alignment with your academic field and research interests
  • Conduct research on scientific studies and best practices from industry and academia to develop an in-depth understanding of the state of the art
  • Develop and evaluate concepts to test new approaches at SICK
  • Carry out an empirical study, analysis, or technical implementation based on your expertise
  • Derive recommendations to drive innovation forward

 

YOUR PROFILE:

  • Enrolled in a degree program in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Digital Humanities, Interaction Design, Human Factors, Human-Computer Interaction, Engineering Psychology, Socioinformatics, or a related field
  • Initial experience with some of the listed topics or methods
  • Interest in human-centered technologies and innovative solutions
  • Passion for scientific research
  • Independent, structured, and creative working style
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
Information at a Glance
Job-ID:  36736
Posting Job Location:  Waldkirch (bei Freiburg)
Full-time/Part-time:  Full-time

Contact: Sarah Disch

At SICK, we see people, not gender. 
We put great emphasis on diversity, reject discrimination and do not think in categories such as gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age or sexual identity.