PhD in Agentic AI for Gameplay Characterization Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology offers an exciting opportunity to advance the field of agentic AI for gameplay characterization. The project is embedded within the Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) group and contributes to the ERC Starting Grant GAMECHAR, focusing on scalable, AI-driven frameworks for analyzing gameplay. The research aims to develop AI agents capable of playing video games, generating large-scale gameplay data, and extracting meaningful features that relate to human experience and behaviour.

As a PhD candidate, you will design, train, and evaluate reinforcement learning agents to play both classic and modern video games. Your work will center on automated gameplay analysis, feature engineering from extensive behavioural datasets, and comparative studies between AI-generated and human gameplay. The project emphasizes scalable, explainable, and human-centered game AI, with societal impacts including improved digital health interventions, fairer game design, and evidence-based policy recommendations for digital practices.

You will collaborate closely with another PhD researcher, a postdoctoral researcher, and national and international partners. The position is part of TU/e’s vibrant AI ecosystem, connected to the Eindhoven AI Systems Institute (EAISI) and state-of-the-art game research facilities. The HTI group integrates psychology, AI, data science, and design to study how interactive systems influence human behaviour and experience.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, applied mathematics, data science, statistics, computer science, or game AI. Essential skills include a research-oriented attitude, strong communication and academic writing abilities, project management, interdisciplinary teamwork, interest in industrial collaboration, motivation to develop teaching skills, and fluency in English (C1 level).

The position offers full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend at least 10% of your time on teaching tasks. The salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (€3,059–€3,881/month), plus a year-end bonus (8.3%), annual vacation pay (8%), pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave, commuting and internet allowance, and a 30% tax compensation scheme for international candidates. TU/e provides high-quality training programs, excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus childcare, and sports facilities.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link. Include a cover letter detailing your motivation and qualifications, a curriculum vitae with publications, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with a deadline of February 5, 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Max v. Birk ([email protected]) or [email protected].

This position is ideal for candidates passionate about AI, game research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, seeking to make a significant impact on the analysis and understanding of gameplay and its effects on human behaviour.