PhD Position in AI for Fact-Checking and Media Literacy at Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), Germany

The Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS) gGmbH in Bochum, Germany, is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the ClaimGuard project, focusing on the development of AI-based tools for collaborative fact-checking and media literacy. The project aims to create a system that supports collaborative fact-checking, strengthens media literacy, and generates reusable data and software resources for both research and practical applications. The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Data Science, and Media Studies. The successful candidate will work on tasks such as reviewing German and multilingual datasets, building and maintaining a German disinformation knowledge base, conducting user research, developing fact and source extraction tools, and co-organizing a large-scale Open Science disinformation competition. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) under the program 'Trust in Democracy and the State: Detecting and Countering Digital Disinformation.' The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Hendrik Heuer, with collaboration from Kristin Marosi (codetekt e.V.), Prof. Dr. Thomas Kosch (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Dr. Maurice Jakesch (Bauhaus-Universität Weimar), and Prof. Dr. Iris Kirchner-Freis (Hugo Grotius gGmbH). A doctorate can be awarded in collaboration with the University of Wuppertal. Applicants must have a Master's degree in Computer Science, HCI, AI, Data Science, Media Informatics, Digital Media, or a related field, with programming skills in at least one language (Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, Dart, or equivalent). Strong interest in responsible AI, fact-checking, and building tools for real users is essential, as is the ability to work independently and document work clearly. Very good English skills and residence in Germany are required. Desirable qualifications include experience with scientific publications, prior work on misinformation/disinformation, software development experience, and good German language skills. The position is fully funded for three years (TV-L 13, 100%) and offers a diverse, equal-opportunity working environment, flexible working hours, 30+1 days annual leave, workation options, health and equality measures, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The CAIS is an innovative research center dedicated to studying the political, economic, social, and cultural impacts of the internet and digitalization, providing opportunities for cutting-edge research and international collaboration. To apply, submit your CV, university transcripts, a reading sample (e.g., from prior publications or your Master's thesis), and a motivation letter (up to three pages) electronically as PDF by March 1st, 2026, quoting reference number B2026-ClaimGuard. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Hendrik Heuer. Interviews are expected to be held by mid-March 2026.