PhD in Ontology-Based Explanations and Semantic Technologies for Citizen Decision-Making University of Twente in Netherlands

University of Twente is advertising a PhD position in Ontology-Based Explanations for Empowering Citizens' Decision-Making, within the DECIDE project (Democratizing AI). The research is embedded in the Semantics, Cybersecurity and Services (SCS) group and involves multidisciplinary supervision across the University of Twente and Utrecht University.

The project focuses on Semantic Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, ontologies, knowledge graphs, conceptual modeling, and computational approaches for domain explanations that help citizens understand domains, rules, constraints, and AI-supported decision-making. The work is especially connected to citizen-empowerment scenarios such as public governance and healthy living, and it includes collaboration with societal partners in an inter- and transdisciplinary consortium.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Philosophy, Logics, or a related field, plus a strong interest in semantic technologies, AI, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative work. Excellent English proficiency is required; Dutch is a plus.

The position is full-time for four years, with a qualifier in the first year. Funding includes a monthly salary from €3,059 to €3,881 gross, plus holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, pension, and other employment benefits.

Deadline: 2026-06-11. Apply online via the vacancy portal and submit a CV, motivation letter, and abstract of your master’s thesis.