PhD Position in AI and Human-Centred Decision Making Utrecht University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Utrecht University focuses on bridging the gap between building and critically studying Human-Centred AI systems. Hosted by the Human-Centred Computing group within the Department of Information and Computing Sciences, the project investigates how AI systems are designed and how they shape real-world organisational decisions. The research will combine technical work in machine learning with qualitative analysis of how AI systems are interpreted and used in decision-making processes.

AI systems increasingly inform decisions across various organisational contexts, yet their representational role is underexplored. Rather than acting as neutral tools, algorithmic models translate complex realities into scores, rankings, classifications, and predictions, thereby influencing problem definitions, available options, and the distribution of agency between humans and algorithms. The PhD project will study AI-supported decision-making from a representational perspective, examining how models are designed, interpreted, contested, and revised in practice. Decision-making is approached as a situated process, emerging through the interaction of data, models, professional judgement, and organisational context.

Depending on the candidate's interests and empirical setting, the project may involve collaboration with external partners working on applied AI systems. Possible domains include geospatial analytics (e.g., in collaboration with startups), as well as decision-support applications in legal and public-sector contexts such as law enforcement or the judiciary. These settings offer opportunities to study how algorithmic representations interact with institutional norms, evidentiary standards, and professional expertise.

Several research avenues may be explored, including explainable AI (XAI) as a socio-technical challenge, examining how explanations function in practice and relate to discretion and accountability. The project may also focus on theorising with data, exploring the interplay of inductive machine learning, deductive modelling, and abductive interpretation, and how AI systems participate in organisational sense-making cycles. Additionally, the role of spatial representations and embeddings may be studied, investigating how spatial abstractions and learned representations structure similarity, proximity, and relevance in decision-making processes.

The PhD will be conducted in collaboration with external organisations, providing access to real-world datasets and decision contexts. Candidates are encouraged to publish in interdisciplinary venues, contribute to educational activities, and develop as researchers comfortable at the intersection of computational modelling, organisational decision-making, and Human-Centred Computing.

Applicants should have a recently completed or nearly completed Master's degree in a socio-technical programme such as (Applied) Data Science, Econometrics, Artificial Intelligence, (Computational) Social Science, or Human Computer Interaction. Experience with quantitative research (user studies, statistics, machine learning) or qualitative research methods (interviews, case studies, interpretive analysis) is required, with willingness to learn the other. Demonstrable programming skills (e.g., Python or R) and proficiency in English (C1 level) are necessary; proficiency in Dutch is an advantage. Affinity with real-world applications and openness to working with public or private sector organisations is expected.

The position is for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment. The gross monthly salary starts at €3,059 in the first year and increases annually up to €3,881 in the fourth year (full-time), with 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible terms of employment, and professional development opportunities. Utrecht University offers additional employee schemes and a supportive, inclusive environment.

To apply, submit your letter of motivation (max. 1 page), CV, scans of BSc and/or MSc certificates (with grade list and translation if not in Dutch or English), and contact details of at least two references. If your Master's is not yet completed, provide a letter from your thesis supervisor or master coordinator indicating your expected completion date. The application deadline is 5 May 2026.