Open Positions

We are recruiting MSc and PhD students for Fall 2027.

The lab has funded openings for motivated graduate students interested in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), 3D User Interfaces (3DUI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Spatial Thinking, and Creative Applications.

Most projects involve developing interactive applications and require knowledge of Unity and C#. Our research typically includes user studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the technologies we develop from a human-centred perspective.

Who we are looking for

Applicants should have a background in relevant areas of Computer Science, such as HCI, User Interfaces, VR, AR, or XR.

MSc applicants should have experience developing interactive applications, such as games, simulations, or VR/AR applications. This experience should be demonstrated through relevant coursework or previous projects.

PhD applicants should have experience developing interactive applications as well as previous research experience in HCI and/or VR/AR/XR. Research experience may be demonstrated through publications, a thesis, research projects, or a portfolio.

Graduate programs and application deadlines

Applicants interested in joining the lab may apply through one of the following programs:

• MSc in Computer Science
• MSc in Computational Media
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Computational Media

Please refer to the program pages above for the official application requirements and process. Application deadlines for Fall 2027: International applicants (March 15, 2027), Canadian applicants (May 1, 2027).

How to contact the lab

The lab typically reviews prospective students and conducts recruitment discussions during October and November. However, applications are reviewed until the program deadlines.

If you are interested in joining the lab, please email mbarrera [at] ucalgary [dot] ca and include:

• A brief note explaining why you are interested in the lab and how your background meets the requirements above.
• Your CV, including links to publications, if available.
• A portfolio or links to relevant projects, if applicable.
• Confirmation from the graduate program you plan to apply to that you meet the relevant admission requirements.

Note: The lab does not focus on AI or software engineering research as its primary research area, even when these topics are applied to VR, AR, or XR. Applicants primarily interested in these areas should consider other labs. Emails from applicants interested in these areas won't be replied to.

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 an internship to experience doing research with us.

These opportunities are funded via the following programs:

• CPSC 502.07 or CPSC 503.07 [UCalgary students]
• PURE Awards [UCalgary students]
• NSERC USRA [Canadian students]
• ELAP [Latin American students]
• SiCS [Students from eligible countries]
• Mitacs Globalink [Students from eligible countries]

Interested students should verify they meet the requirements of the selected program 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.