Duisburg
Research Center Trustworthy Data Science and Security
PhD Position (w/m/d, No. 319-26)
13 TV-L (gross 57.112 € - 81.176 €)
The Research Alliance Ruhr, a collaborative initiative by the three major universities in the Ruhr area, was established through the Ruhr Conference. It encompasses four research centers: “One Health Ruhr,” “Chemical Sciences and Sustainability,” “Trustworthy Data Science and Security,” and “Future Energy Materials and Systems.” Additionally, it includes a “College for Social Sciences and Humanities.”
The Research Alliance Ruhr is appointing up to 50 research professors and offers numerous positions for research assistants. Join us in creating innovations for the future within Europe’s most densely populated yet greenest university landscape, where a diverse range of scientific and industrial partners are readily accessible.
01.12.2026
3 years
39 h 50 min (100%), full time position, part time is possible
- Develop and pursue an independent research agenda within the broad scope of Human Understanding of Algorithms and Machines HU[AM] (see also below)
- Design and execute rigorous empirical studies, including behavioral experiments, large-scale surveys, and/or experience sampling methods
- Independently analyze quantitative data and contribute to open science practices (pre-registration, replication, transparency)
- Collaborate with researchers from different disciplines to develop innovative approaches to understanding human-AI dynamics
- Contribute to the group's scientific community through publications, conference presentations, and knowledge exchange
- Excellent Master's degree in psychology, behavioral economics, political science, communication science, HCI, or a related (social science) field
- Strong interest in empirical research on human behavior and/or AI
- Proficiency with quantitative methods (experimental, survey, or computational)
- High proficiency in English, both written and spoken
- German language proficiency is desirable but not required
All candidates should bring:
- A collaborative and open-science mindset
- Motivation to work in interdisciplinary teams
- High degree of creativity, commitment, and analytical competence
Research Scope
This is an open-topic position. We are looking for researchers who bring their own ideas that connect with HU[AM]'s broader agenda. Concrete research areas in which we are especially active include:
- How AI systems influence human ethical behavior and decision-making
- The social consequences of synthetic relationships with conversational agents
- AI-mediated communication and its effects on trust
- The use of AI in educational settings and its effects on learning outcomes
- AI as a tool for and against corruption and governance failures
- Human perception and understanding of algorithmic systems
You will work in a multidisciplinary team on collaborative research projects envisioned by leading international experts from various domains. The PhD position will be jointly supervised by an interdisciplinary team consisting of Prof. Nils Köbis (University Duisburg-Essen) and another supervisor from one of the universities in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
The position is embedded in a creative, dynamic, and internationally renowned research environment. Your research will play a crucial role in developing our new Research Center and promoting trustworthy technology to the general public. Our extensive international network of researchers and industry partners ensures a seamless transition into your next career step, whether in academia or international research institutions.
We prioritize a balanced, family-friendly work-life balance, offering flexible working hours and part-time remote home-office arrangements.
2026-09-03
319-26
If you are interested in this position, please send your application (important: you need to mention the Ref-No. 319-26) to: [email protected]
Please provide the following documents as a single PDF:
a) Motivation letter (max. 1 page) describing your background and fit with HUAM
b) Research proposal (max. 1 page) structured as follows:
- What is the topic you want to do research on, and why does it matter?
- What do we already know about this topic?
- Which gap in knowledge does your project address?
- Which methods do you plan to use?
c) CV including a list of publications (if applicable)
d) Contact details of two referees willing to provide referee letters or available for short phone calls upon request
Further information about the group Human Understanding of Algorithms and Machines led by Nils Köbis can be found at: https://rc-trust.ai/groups/human-understanding-of-machines-and-algorithms
