Open Positions

We are looking for MCS and PhD students for FAll'27.

The lab has funded openings for motivated graduate students with an interest in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Interfaces for 3D (3DUI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), spatial thinking & creative applications research.

A background in related subdisciplines of Computer Science, such as HCI, 3D User Interfaces, or Virtual Reality will be seen as positive, ideally documented by a thesis (or equivalent) or by successfully completed projects in the area. Most of the projects require knowledge of Unity 3D and C#. Almost all research work is evaluated with user studies to verify the effectiveness of the developed technologies from a human viewpoint.

If you wish to email me about potential graduate studies, please send me an email (mbarrera [at] ucalgary [dot] ca) that includes:

• a CV
• a brief note of interest (pdf), with a link to publications if available.
• an (unofficial) transcript.

For the official application process and requirements, please refer to the MSc in CS, MSc in Computational Media or PhD degree. Deadlines to apply are March 15, 2027 (international students) and May 1, 2027 (Canadian Students).

We are looking for undergraduate student interested in doing a 4-month internship at the lab. Most students should consider arriving either in January (Winter Semester) or in May (Summer Semester).

Students should have an interest in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Interfaces for 3D (3DUI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), but no previous background in these areas is needed. Students considering doing a graduate degree in the lab, are encouraged to apply to experience doing research with us.

These opportunities are funded via the following programs: Pure Awards [UCalgary students], NSERC USRA [Canadian students], ELAP [Latin American students] and SiCS [Students of targeted countries].

Interested students should verify they meet the requirements before contacting me at mbarrera [at] ucalgary [dot] ca. to talk more about this opportunity

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a leading research-intensive university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Department of Computer Science at the University of Calgary is part of the Faculty of Science and is known for its strong programs in computing education and research. Research in the department is diverse and collaborative, with strengths in areas like visualization, cybersecurity, VR/AR, data science, and robotics. Students have opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects in state-of-the-art labs, participate in industry partnerships, and gain hands-on experience through co-op programs. The department emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and preparing students for careers in tech, academia, and beyond.

Calgary is a great place to live as a grad student. It's a friendly, growing city with lots to do — from great restaurants and coffee shops to festivals and live music. You're also just a short drive from the Rocky Mountains, perfect for weekend hikes, skiing, or just taking in the views. The city has good public transit, plenty of parks, and a cost of living that is often lower than in bigger cities like Toronto or Vancouver. It’s a nice balance of city life and easy access to nature.