PhD positions in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence - HCC

PhD positions in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence The Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University invites

applications for two fully funded PhD positions working with Professor Niels van Berkel. The earliest starting date for this

position is 1st of January 2027. The project: Safeguarding Users’ Cognitive Autonomy in Human-AI Interaction Cognitive autonomy,

our fundamental ability to think independently, is under threat from growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

While designed to assist, AI recommendations may inadvertently impede cognitive reasoning and steer decision making. This raises

novel questions about designing systems that assist users while supporting independent thinking. To safeguard users’ cognitive

autonomy, this project aims to identify when users’ cognitive autonomy is at risk and how timely digital interventions can support

independent thinking. Each PhD position is a three-year role and is funded by a DFF research project (‘Safeguarding Users’

Cognitive Autonomy in Human-AI Interaction’). Research objectives This project develops methods to detect changes in users'

cognitive load and designs digital interventions that support cognitive autonomy in human-AI interaction. The two PhD positions

bring complementary strengths to this project. The first position explores how everyday digital interaction, such as typing and

mouse movement, can reveal how mentally demanding a task is and how this fluctuates over time. This suits candidates with a strong

technical background and an interest in human behaviour and cognition. The second position focuses on designing and evaluating

cognitive support interventions, working with stakeholders to co-design techniques and assess their impact through controlled

studies. This suits candidates with strong user-centred research skills and experience in mixed-methods evaluation. Both positions

include a research stay abroad. You will have the opportunity to shape the project further based on your interests. Scientific

dissemination is expected to focus on leading Human-Computer Interaction venues. For further information about the project, see:

https://dff.dk/en/our-funded-projects/meet-the-researchers/research-leaders/eksterne-personer-en/research-leaders-2026/niels-van-berkel/.

Qualification requirements PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a master’s degree. PhD stipends are normally for a

period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the

Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025

on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order,

the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.Read more here: Who we are You will be part of the

Human Augmentation and Collaboration research group

(https://www.cs.aau.dk/research/research-groups/human-augmentation-and-collaboration-hac), an ambitious and supportive research

environment in which we design and evaluate interactive systems that extend human cognitive, affective, and collaborative

capabilities in digital environments. We frequently publish in the leading venues in Human-Computer Interaction and are supported

through a strong network of collaborators. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the project’s principal investigator,

Prof. Niels van Berkel (nielsvanberkel@cs.aau.dk), prior to applying to discuss the scientific aspects of the position. How to

apply Your application must include the following: - o Application letter: a maximum two-page letter stating reasons for applying

and qualifications in relation to the position. Applicants should indicate in their application letter which of the two PhD

positions they are applying for, or express interest in either. - o Project description: a maximum three-page description

outlining the applicant’s ideas on research directions within the context of the project, including a discussion of relevant

related work. - o List of publications, if any. - o List of reference contact(s). - o Curriculum Vitae (CV). - o Diplomas

(bachelor’s and master's degrees). Clearly AI-generated application material, as well as applications which fall outside of the

project’s scope, will be dismissed. The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be

accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society

and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply

for the position. Do you have any questions?     If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to

contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost. Further information  Read more about our recruitment

process here. The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be

applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee,

will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or

not. The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with

new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT

and Design Salary and terms of employment The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of

Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your

terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional

Associations and the state (AC collective agreement). You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the

position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP). Please refer to the introductory section of the page

and the section entitled “PhD Fellow”. There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.