PhD in AI-Driven Lifestyle Coaching for Mental Health and Severe Mental Illness Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Call for applications for a PhD in AI-Driven Lifestyle Coaching for People with Severe Mental Illnesses at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), in collaboration with TNO Health & Work in Leiden and project partners across the Netherlands.

This 4-year full-time PhD is part of the THRIVE project, an interdisciplinary effort at the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, digital health, behavior change science, and mental health. The project aims to develop a personalized AI-driven lifestyle coaching system for people with severe mental illness (SMI), including bipolar disorder and recurrent major depression, delivered through smartphones with just-in-time adaptive support.

The research includes collecting real-world data using ecological momentary assessments, digital diaries, and wearables; building predictive AI models; designing conversational coaching interfaces; co-designing with patients and healthcare professionals; and evaluating the intervention in clinical feasibility studies. The work is intended to support physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and stress management, and to integrate with existing digital health platforms and care practice.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field. Strong programming skills (especially Python), app/web development experience, and familiarity with APIs, databases, and front-end development are required. The post also asks for a research-oriented and engineering-oriented mindset, ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, strong communication and planning skills, and fluency in both English and Dutch at C1 level. Interest in mental health and working with vulnerable populations is important.

Funding and employment conditions are strong: salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881 per month, with 8.3% year-end bonus, 8% vacation pay, pension, paid leave benefits, commuting/work-from-home/internet allowances, immigration support, and the 30% tax facility for international candidates. The position includes a full-time contract for four years, with an evaluation after nine months.

Supervision is listed with Sebastian Cmentowski, Pieter van Gorp, and Panos Markopoulos at TU/e, and Hilde van Keulen and Pepijn van Empelen at TNO Health & Work. The application deadline is 31 May 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Apply online via the TU/e vacancy portal. Submit a cover letter, CV, publications list, and contact details for three references. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed.