PhD on Intentional Actions in Algorithms

As a result of rapid advancements in AI technology we increasingly interact with algorithms in our daily lives. As these interactions become more and more human-like, social aspects of human-AI interactions become more and more important. In this project you will investigate how people are able to “read” intentions in the behaviour of algorithms.

Wat ga je doen?

We rely on the psychological literature on how people infer intentions from the behaviour of other humans to see whether people take an “intentional stance” to understand the behaviour of algorithms. A better understanding of how people interpret the behaviour of algorithms is crucial for understanding when people dare to trust and rely on algorithms in their daily lives.

The project has two main objectives:

1. advancing a psychological model that offers a systematic insight into how intentions are inferred from behaviour; and
2. testing how perceived intentionality of AI agents changes the dynamics of human-AI interactions, potentially making those interactions more closely resemble human-human interactions.

We are looking for someone who can conduct research and strengthen our research project. The research is embedded in the research theme "Cognition and Social Behaviour", which includes the Goallab that combines fundamental and applied approaches to study human cognition and motivation in social contexts. Moreover, within our university, our group collaborates with other disciplines within the interdisciplinary strategic themes 'Institutions for Open Societies' and 'Dynamics of Youth' and the Focus area 'Human-Centered AI'.

To allow PhD candidates to gain experiences with teaching, the PhD position also includes teaching (min. 10%, but more is possible on request of the candidate). The teaching is implemented in the Psychology programme offered by the Social, Health and Organisational Psychology group. Our group is committed to team science and practices Open Science.

Furthermore, the tasks and responsibilities include:

• conducting research (literature research, designing experiments, collecting and analysing data, reporting the results), resulting in international scientific publications and a dissertation;
• presenting results at national and international scientific conferences;
• teaching in the psychology programme (min. 10%);
• active participation in the research group of the project and of the department;
• ambition to collaborate with and visit international partners in research.

Wat breng je mee?

We are looking for someone who:

• holds (or nearly holds) a Master’s degree in Psychology or a related field, preferably with a profile in Social Cognition and Behaviour;
• Has a clear interest in how people interact with AI;
• has good experimental and programming skills (e.g., E-Prime, Presentation, Gorilla, Matlab, Phython, R) to design and conduct laboratory research;
• has good methodological and statistical skills;
• is open-minded to apply and translate basic research to issues in society;
• is able to meet deadlines, and conduct research independently and as part of a team;
• has good communication skills (written and oral);
• speaks Dutch or is expected to learn Dutch.

Wat bieden wij?

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 in the first year and €3,539 in the fourth year of employment in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO NU); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Over ons

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.

Meer informatie

For more information about this position, including the research proposal for the project, please contact Dr Ruud Custers at r.custers@uu.nl.

Please note that international candidates that need a visa/work permit for the Netherlands require at least four months processing time after selection and acceptance. Our International Service Desk (ISD) can answer your questions about living in the Netherlands as international staff. Finding appropriate housing in or near Utrecht is your own responsibility, but the ISD may be able to advise you therewith. In case of general questions about working and living in The Netherlands, please consult the Dutch Mobility Portal.

Sollicitatie

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The first round of interviews takes place on 21 May 2024. Our preferred start date is 1 September 2024.

Uiterlijk reageren op 5 mei 2024.