PhD on AI-Driven Lifestyle Coaching for People with Severe Mental Illnesses Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Join the THRIVE project at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and contribute to the development of AI-driven lifestyle coaching solutions for people with severe mental illnesses. This 4-year PhD position is part of a collaborative effort between TU/e, TNO Health & Work, and partners across the Netherlands, aiming to bridge human-computer interaction, computer science, design, and behavior change.

Severe mental illness (SMI), including conditions like bipolar disorder and recurrent major depression, affects nearly 300,000 people in the Netherlands and significantly impacts their quality of life. While healthy lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress management are recommended, their implementation is often too demanding and costly for professionals. The THRIVE project seeks to address this gap by developing a personalized, AI-driven lifestyle coaching solution accessible via smartphones, delivering just-in-time guidance integrated into daily routines.

As a PhD candidate, you will establish a data collection infrastructure using ecological momentary assessments, digital diaries, and wearables to gather mental health-influencing factors. You will extend state-of-the-art tools and AI libraries developed at TU/e, such as GameBus and Experiencer, to support this data collection. The data will be used to develop predictive AI models that tailor coaching content and timing to individual needs. On the frontend, you will further develop a lifestyle coaching system that incorporates behavior change and gamification strategies, using conversational interfaces to adapt to individual goals and needs. The intervention will be evaluated in a feasibility study with clinical partners and prepared for integration into care practice.

Your role includes collaborating with academic, industrial, and societal partners, working part-time at TNO Health & Work’s office in Leiden, and publishing your research at leading venues. You will be supervised by Sebastian Cmentowski, Pieter van Gorp, and Panos Markopoulos at TU/e, and Hilde van Keulen and Pepijn van Empelen at TNO Health & Work.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field, strong programming and app/web development skills, and affinity for working with people with mental illnesses. Excellent communication, planning skills, and fluency in English and Dutch (C1 level) are required. The position offers full-time employment for four years, competitive salary and benefits, high-quality training programs, and support for international candidates.

To apply, submit your application online with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. Only complete applications will be considered. The vacancy remains open until filled, with a deadline of May 31, 2026.

For more information, contact Sebastian Cmentowski at [email protected] or visit the TU/e website. Discover more about the university, the Brainport Eindhoven region, and the Department of Industrial Design, which excels at integrating engineering, design, business, and social sciences in research and education.