PhD Position in Sequential Decision-Making (DECIDE Project) Utrecht University in Netherlands

Join the DECIDE project at Utrecht University as a PhD candidate in sequential decision-making, focusing on the development of adaptive learning systems that enhance transparency and contestability in AI-driven decisions. This ambitious, NWO-funded initiative aims to empower citizens and foster democratic participation by designing AI systems for decision support. The project is a collaboration between Utrecht University and several leading Dutch institutions, including Eindhoven and Delft Universities of Technology and the University of Twente.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct original research within the thematic scope of your work package, developing adaptive learning systems in the context of sequential decision-making and reinforcement learning. Your work will involve enhancing the transparency and contestability of decision-making processes, using multimodal approaches to reveal the reasoning behind complex AI-driven planning and learning algorithms. You will personalize user interactions by building models that adapt explanations to specific knowledge levels and interests, transforming opaque decision-making processes into interactive exchanges that empower citizens to understand, challenge, and influence outcomes in real-world domains such as healthcare and mobility.

You will be part of a vibrant inter- and transdisciplinary research community, collaborating across disciplines and with societal stakeholders to achieve real-world impact. Participation in joint training programmes on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, citizen engagement, and ethical AI is included. The Department of Information and Computing Sciences at Utrecht University is nationally and internationally recognized for its research in computer science and information science, contributing to undergraduate and research master's programmes in these fields. The department employs over 200 people in four divisions: Algorithms, AI & Data Science, Software, and Interaction, fostering a collegial and informal atmosphere.

The Intelligent Systems group focuses on fundamental and applied research in safe and responsible artificial intelligence, combining areas such as reinforcement learning, social and cognitive computational modelling, knowledge representation and reasoning, and agent-based modelling. Utrecht University offers excellent research infrastructure and a supportive environment for professional and personal development, including flexible employment terms, professional development opportunities, sports and cultural activities, and a range of employee schemes.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in AI, Computing Science, Mathematics, or Data Science, strong coding, communication, and organizational skills, and demonstrable experience with machine learning packages (e.g., PyTorch). Experience with Reinforcement Learning, Deep Learning, and/or Explainable AI is advantageous. The position is initially 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 additional benefits including 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible terms of employment.

To apply, submit your letter of motivation, CV, academic transcripts for BSc and MSc, and contact details for at least two references via the Utrecht University application portal. The application deadline is 15 May 2026. For further information, contact Dr. Roxana Rădulescu at [email protected].