PhD Position in Emotionally and Socially Aware Natural Language Processing at Leiden University Leiden University in Netherlands

Leiden University’s Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is inviting applications for a PhD position in Emotionally and Socially Aware Natural Language Processing. This opportunity is part of the Human-AI cluster, an interdisciplinary environment where artificial intelligence and machine learning intersect with philosophy, cognitive science, and the creative arts. The PhD will be supervised by Assistant Professor Flor Miriam Plaza del Arco, Professor Suzan Verberne, and Professor Joost Broekens.

The research will focus on developing AI models that not only optimize for accuracy but also recognize and respond to emotions responsibly and adapt to social context. The project aims to address challenges such as social bias, toxic content generation, and inadequate emotional responsiveness in current AI systems. The ultimate goal is to design AI systems that foster inclusivity, fairness, and emotional intelligence in human-AI interactions, with applications in mental well-being, education, and other socially sensitive domains.

Candidates should have a strong background in computer science, artificial intelligence, or related fields, with experience in natural language processing, machine learning, or human-AI interaction being highly desirable. An interest in interdisciplinary research, especially in cognitive science, philosophy, or the creative arts, is encouraged. Proficiency in English is required.

The position is based at Leiden University in the Netherlands, offering the chance to work in a vibrant academic setting. While specific funding details are not provided, PhD positions at Dutch universities are typically fully funded, including salary and benefits. The application deadline is November 17, 2025. For more information and to apply, please visit the official job ad linked below.