PhD on human-centered AI in education

Are you fascinated by the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence in Education? Are you eager to ensure that AI is actually used to support learning and avoid misuse?

Then apply for the PhD-position on Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence in Education at the Human-Technology Interaction Group (HTI)!

Job Description

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasing role in education, allowing for automated instruction and feedback on large scales. However, human-AI collaboration in education is currently often suboptimal, resulting in underused and ineffective uses of AI systems. One important reason is that users have limited insights in the decisions made by the underlying algorithm and in its limitations. Recently, ‘explainable AI' has been introduced as a solution to transparently explain the inner workings of AI algorithms. However, accurate explanations do not always lead to effective use of AI systems.

In this multidisciplinary PhD project, you will combine insights from AI, educational sciences, human-computer interaction, and learning analytics to improve the effectiveness of AI in education. Specifically, you will design effective explanations for automated writing evaluation of academic writing in higher education. The PhD project comprises three steps: (1) enhancing state-of-the-art AI algorithms for writing evaluation by tailoring them to indicators based on learning and writing theories; (2) co-designing explanations with students and teachers via a human-centered design approach; (3) evaluating the explanations in the lab as well as in the classroom using a broad range of objective and subjective measurements.

As this is an inherently multidisciplinary research project, the ideal candidate will combine technical expertise data science and (explainable) AI (e.g. visualization techniques and feature-importance measures) with an ability to engage relevant issues in educational sciences (in particular, bias, fairness, and assessment design).

Job requirements

Recently completed (or be close to the completion of) a Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Data Science or related discipline with demonstrable interest and experience in (educational) psychology OR a Master's degree in Educational Psychology or related field, with demonstrable interest and experience in data science.

Demonstrable experience in conducting empirical and/or experimental research, including knowledge of and demonstrable experience with applying (state-of-the-art) statistical techniques.

Demonstrable experience with data wrangling (e.g., in R, Python).

Motivated to develop teaching skills and coach students.

Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.

Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).

A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.

High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self- aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.

An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.

An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

The candidate will be part of the Human-Technology Interaction (HTI) group, which is part of the Department of Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences (IE&IS). The HTI group concentrates expertise in social sciences - particularly psychology - and engineering, studying technology in the service of human wellbeing within the broader context of a socially and ecologically sustainable society.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the supervisory team: dr. Rianne Conijn, m.a.conijnattue.nl or dr. Martijn Willemsen, m.c.willemsenattue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Hanneke Huijs-Palmen, HR Advisor, j.b.huijs.palmenatue.nl or +31 40 2472137.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.

Curriculum vitae, including the contact information of two references.

A writing sample (ca. 10 pages) which demonstrates your ability to report on scientific theories as well as your expertise with analytic techniques (e.g., (parts of) your master thesis).

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.