PhD Position: AI-enabled Decision-making and the Experience of Empowerment Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University focuses on AI-enabled decision-making and the experience of empowerment, situated within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The role is part of the DECIDE project, a large-scale, NWO-funded initiative uniting ten Dutch universities and numerous societal partners to develop transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems. The research aims to understand how AI can empower citizens, particularly in decision-making contexts, and to contribute to the design and implementation of next-generation AI that supports democratic participation and societal impact.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct original research on empowerment in the context of AI, including conceptual and psychometric development. The project involves both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as focus groups, measure development, and experimental studies. You will explore questions like what it means to be empowered by AI, how citizens experience empowerment, and which AI attributes support empowerment. The research contributes to democratising AI through transparent decision-making and measurement development.

The position offers a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment, with opportunities to collaborate across the DECIDE consortium, participate in training programmes, workshops, and summer schools, and engage in citizen science and co-design initiatives. You will have a light teaching load (10%), allowing you to build your teaching portfolio for the University Teaching Qualification. The role is based in the Work, Health and Performance Group and involves participation in iHub, Radboud University's interdisciplinary research hub on digitalisation and society.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Psychology (preferably organisational or social psychology), demonstrate interest in empowerment and AI transparency, and possess emerging competencies in psychometrics. Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods is valued, along with excellent social and communication skills for stakeholder engagement. Proficiency in Dutch (B2/C1) and English (CEFR C1/C2) is required, or willingness to achieve these levels.

The position offers a 4-year contract (1.5 years initially, extended by 2.5 years upon positive evaluation), a gross monthly salary of €3,059–€3,881, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra days off, flexible working hours, pension plan, and sports/cultural discounts. Radboud University provides a supportive, inclusive research environment with excellent facilities and strong collaborations.

Applications are accepted online via the provided link. Address your letter to Prof. Wolter Pieters and review the application form for required documents. The application deadline is 8 March 2026, with interviews scheduled for 26 March and 14 April. The preferred start date is 16 June 2026.