Duisburg
Research Alliance Ruhr, Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security
PhD position in the Young Investigator Group Human Factors in AI systems (f/m/d, No. 226-26))
TV-L 13 (gross 57.112 € - 81.176 €)
As part of the Research Alliance Ruhr, the Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security is bringing the expertise of its universities together to bridge the gaps between Psychology & Social Sciences, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Data Science & Statistical Learning, and Cybersecurity & Privacy.
as soon as possible
3 years
full-time position (39 h 50 min, part-time work is possible)
Join us now to create innovations for the world of tomorrow in Europe’s densest university landscape, where you can find a wide range of scientific and industrial partners right on the doorstep.
About the Position
The Young Investigator Group Human Factors in AI Systems researches how AI shapes the way we think, feel, interact, and behave, as well as how AI influences our emotions, decision-making, and social connections. The general aim is to better assess, understand, and guide the effects of AI systems, ensuring a trustworthy, human-centered way of development and deployment. By taking an interdisciplinary perspective, the research combines insights from psychology, computer science, and human–computer interaction to better understand these complex dynamics. In doing so, the group seeks not only to analyze current challenges but also to develop frameworks and practical recommendations that support human-centered AI design and governance.
To that end, we seek a PhD researcher to work on (a) human trust and trust calibration in AI systems, including how trust is formed, maintained, and potentially miscalibrated in interactions with AI; (b) cognitive and social attributions toward AI (e.g., mental state attribution), examining how people perceive, interpret, and make sense of AI behavior; and (c) formal and informal mechanisms of AI transparency, accountability, and certification, with a focus on how these mechanisms can enhance user understanding, oversight, and responsible use, (d) or related fields.
Your responsibilities
- Contributing to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, and ethical system design
- Take ownership of a defined research direction aligned with the group's themes, working with a high degree of independence and initiative.
- Conduct research using methods appropriate to the project and your background, including quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Publish and present research at top-tier venues and contribute to the academic community.
- Collaborate with researchers across disciplines and institutions (computer science, statistics, cybersecurity), contributing to a supportive and engaged research environment.
- A strong Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, cognitive science, communication science, human factors)
- Excellent knowledge of empirical research methods and statistical analyses
- Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary setting
The position is embedded in a creative, attractive, and internationally renowned research environment. With your work, you will play an essential role in developing our new Research Center and outreach with trustworthy technology to the general public. Our international network of researchers and industry partners offers a stimulating work environment. A balanced and family-friendly work-life relationship is important to us; thus, we offer flexible working times or part-time remote home office options.
2026-06-24
226-26
Please send your applicationn including CV, certificates, and a 2-page description of your planned research to Dr. Magdalena Wischnewski, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Computer Science, 47048 Duisburg, email: [email protected] stating the code number 226-26.
Further information about the Research Center can be found at: https://rc-trust.ai
