PhD Position in Inclusive Design with Artificial Intelligence

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Inclusivity, Design, UI/UX 

Since the introduction of conversational large language models (LLMs) the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to create content across various contexts has rapidly expanded. The development of “prompt programming” has dramatically reduced the barriers of prototyping AI functionality into new domains, including the design of user-interfaces (UI). However, an over reliance on automation for UI design can introduce biases and ethical concerns, leading to designs that might not be accessible, inclusive, or could run the risk of perpetuating stereotypes.  

We are looking for a PhD student to explore AI in the context of designing web-based user interfaces (web UI) with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.  Your research is part of the Digital Interactions Lab at the Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam (UvA).

What are you going to do?

As a PhD candidate, you will delve into research at the crossroads of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Communication, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Computational Social Science (CSS). You will create and apply empirical research methods that blend computational and qualitative techniques to study how complex social inequities are manifested in UI design collaborations with AI. At the end of the four-year PhD, you will be a leading scholar in HCI and intelligent design, with advanced computational skills. 

The first phase of the project will involve analysing AI's role in the UI design process, from prototyping to iteration and redesign. Your focus will be on how AI tools influence user inclusion and design accessibility. The findings from this initial phase will guide the second stage, where you will explore new concepts, practices, and methodologies aimed at ensuring equity in AI-driven design processes.  

The overall goal of the project is to create a key output with practical value for user interface and experience designers. While the specific format of this output is your choice, it should include an assessment of accessibility and inclusion, along with practical strategies for improvement. 

The exact topic and the work plan of the PhD, related to the broad ideas described above will be defined in discussion with the selected candidate.  

The research will also involve some or all the following activities: 

• Conducting mixed-methods studies and collecting various types of data from designers and their use of AI 
• Capturing the dynamics of interacting with AI in design 
• Understanding how accessibility and inclusion of software and interfaces is assessed 
• Conducting user studies and evaluating and analysing the results 
• Presenting findings at national and international conferences in HCI, such as ACM CHI. 
• Collaboration with UI/UX designers in the private sector 

What do you have to offer?

Successful applications will meet the following essential requirements:  

• Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Sociology, Computer Science, Social Data Science, CSS, HCI or a related discipline. 
• Strong web development skills, such as proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue.js. 
• Interest and aptitude in interdisciplinary research and a familiarity with concepts and reflections in Human-Computer Interaction. 
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken. 

Desirable requirements for the position also include: 

• Experience conducting UX or UI research, such as usability testing. 
• Knowledge of literature relating to accessibility and diversity 
• Solid understanding of data analysis in Python or R. 
• Willingness to acquire new technical and critical skills 
• Experience conducting qualitative research. 

If you have any questions about the requirements or criteria, please feel free to contact Dr Siân Brooke (s.j.m.brooke@uva.nl). We are also open to considering applications from candidates who have demonstrated technical skills through professional work experience rather than an academic degree program. 

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is to be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 to € 3,670 (scale P) .This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• Multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• A complete educational program for PhD students;
• Multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• Multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• Partly paid parental leave;
• The possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• A pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• The possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 42,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science (FNWI) has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.

The Digital Interactions Lab (DILAB) is a Human-Computer Interaction research group within the Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam. Our research bridges the gap between the technology-oriented and market-led formulation of the smart agenda with a sociological and psychological understanding of what people need artificial intelligence to be, and how data science might enhance our societies.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?

For any additional questions about the position, please contact:

• Dr. Siân Brooke, Assistant Professor and MacGillavry Fellow, s.j.m.brooke@uva.nl 

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 November 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files apart from your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please make sure to provide ALL requested documents mentioned above.

You can use the CV field to upload your resume as a separate pdf document. Use the Cover Letter field to upload the other requested documents, including the motivation letter, as one single pdf file.

A knowledge security check may be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: National knowledge security guidelines).

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of January 2025.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, please try using a VPN connection when outside of the European Union. Please reach out directly to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

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