Radboud University is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on AI-enabled decision-making and the experience of empowerment, situated within the Faculty of Social Sciences. This opportunity is part of the large-scale, NWO-funded DECIDE project, which unites 10 Dutch universities and numerous societal partners to develop transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems. The research will explore how AI can empower citizens, particularly in decision-making contexts, and will involve both conceptual and psychometric development using qualitative and quantitative methods.

The PhD candidate will join the Behavioural Science Institute (BSI) and the Work, Health and Performance Group, engaging in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research activities, including citizen science and co-design initiatives. The project is supervised by Prof. Wolter Pieters and Dr. Laura Fruhen at Radboud University, Dr. Johannes Steinrücke at the University of Twente, and Prof. Arul Chib at Erasmus University Rotterdam. The research aims to address real-world challenges in domains such as healthcare, mobility, public governance, and healthy lifestyles, contributing to the empowerment and democratic participation of citizens through AI-supported decision-making.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Psychology (preferably organisational or social psychology) and demonstrate interest in empowerment, AI transparency, and psychometrics. Both qualitative and quantitative research skills are valued, and candidates should possess strong social and communication skills for stakeholder engagement. Proficiency in Dutch (B2/C1) and English (CEFR C1/C2) is required, or a willingness to achieve these levels. The position includes a light teaching load (10%) and offers opportunities for professional development through training programmes, workshops, and summer schools.

The employment contract is for 1.5 years initially, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary starts at €3,059 and increases to €3,881 in the fourth year, with additional benefits such as holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, flexible working hours, extra leave days, pension plan, and discounts on sports and cultural activities. The application deadline is 8 March 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the official Radboud University job portal.