Self driving cars are coming. But there is a big question that many people forget. How will real people behave around them? How will drivers trust them? How should the screen inside the car talk to a person? A lab in South Korea wants PhD students who can answer these questions.
Hanyang University ERICA is offering two PhD positions in Human Factors and Human Computer Interaction. The money comes through the Global Korea Scholarship. But there is a strict rule about who can apply. Read this guide carefully before you send any email.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Hanyang University ERICA South Korea |
| Lab | Human Centered Technology HCT Lab |
| Department | Human Computer Interaction |
| Supervisor | Dr. Seulchan Lee |
| Positions | 2 PhD seats |
| Focus | Human Factors and HCI in automated vehicles |
| Funding path | Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) possible |
| Lab contact deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Expected interviews | Around January 2027 |
| Expected GKS window | Early March 2027 |
What This Opportunity Is
The positions are open in the Human-Centered Technology Lab. People call it the HCT Lab. It sits inside the Department of Human Computer Interaction at Hanyang University ERICA in South Korea. The lab is led by Dr. Seulchan Lee.
The lab wants two PhD students for research on automated vehicles. The main focus is on people. It studies how humans behave and how they use screens and systems inside self driving cars.
If you are selected, you can study for a PhD with tuition and a monthly stipend under the Global Korea Scholarship or GKS. This depends on meeting the rules of both the university and GKS.
Research Topics
The lab names four main topics:
- Driver behaviour and performance modeling
- Human-machine interfaces of automated vehicles
- Human-centered explainable AI which is also called XAI
- Human factors and traffic psychology in mixed traffic
Mixed traffic means roads where self-driving cars and normal cars share space. This is a real problem in cities today and it will become more important each year.
Who Can Apply
The lab wants students with a strong background in:
- Human Factors
- Ergonomics
- Human Computer Interaction
- UI and UX
Degrees that fit well include:
- Industrial Engineering
- Psychology
- Safety Engineering
- Other fields close to Human Factors and HCI
You also need strong English in writing and speaking. And you must meet the basic admission rules of the graduate program. You must also meet the GKS eligibility rules.
An Important Warning
The lab says clearly that applicants from Computer Science and Electrical Engineering will not be considered for these positions at this time.
If your degree is in one of these fields, do not waste your time. The lab also says it may not answer emails from unrelated fields or emails that do not include all documents.
Skills That Will Help You
You do not need every skill on this list. But the lab says these will make your profile stronger:
- Strong knowledge of statistics or data analysis
- Experience running user experiments and surveys
- Experience collecting body signal data such as EEG or EMG
- Experience with research papers and publications
- Past research on automated vehicles from a Human Factors or HCI side
If you can show real research work and clear method skills you will stand out.
What You Get
The offer includes:
- A place in the PhD program
- Tuition support under GKS
- Stipend support under GKS
- Research work inside the HCT Lab
- Research on new Human Factors and HCI problems in automated vehicles
One point is very important. Winning a place in the lab does not mean you will win the GKS scholarship. GKS is a competitive program. You still must meet its rules and pass its own application stage.
Documents You Need
Prepare all of these before you send your email:
- Cover letter
- Full CV
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Your thesis
- A research statement on Human Factors and HCI topics related to automated vehicles
The research statement is the most important document. It should show how your interests fit the lab. Explain your past work. Explain which problem you want to study in automated vehicles. This could be driver behaviour or vehicle screens or explainable AI or traffic psychology.
Send everything together in one complete email. Missing papers may mean no reply at all. Use a clear subject line such as PhD Application Human Factors HCI AV GKS.
Key Dates
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Contact Dr. Lee and send documents | By 31 December 2026 |
| Lab interviews and results | Expected around January 2027 |
| Official GKS application | Expected early March 2027 |
Do not mix up the December deadline with the GKS date. The December date is only for the lab screening.
How the Process Works
There are two separate stages. Many students mix them up.
Stage 1. Lab screening
You contact Dr. Seulchan Lee and send your documents. The lab checks them and may invite you to an interview.
Stage 2. Official GKS application
This comes later. The lab says it expects the official GKS application in early March 2027. But the GKS schedule is not fixed yet. So watch the official GKS announcement.
Tips To Make Your Application Stronger
- Write to Dr. Lee early. Do not wait for December
- Check that your degree is not Computer Science or Electrical Engineering
- Make your research statement clear and focused on automated vehicles
- Show your experiments and data skills with real examples
- Send all documents in one email
- Check the GKS rules for your own country right away
