PhD Position in Explainable AI for High-Stake Decision Making

Utrecht University, Netherlands

Updated: 3 months ago
Deadline: 09 Mar 2026

23 Jan 2026
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Utrecht University
Research Field

Computer science
Philosophy » Ethics
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Application Deadline

9 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)
Country

Netherlands
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Not Applicable
Hours Per Week

40.0
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Join our research team as PhD candidate on the DECIDE project, which tackles one of the most urgent challenges in artificial intelligence: ensuring that AI systems are transparent, interpretable and aligned with human needs and values. You will focus on developing, testing and reviewing a methodology to make AI systems transparent and explainable. The goal is to empower citizens and professional decision-makers to make better informed decisions using AI.
Your job
AI is increasingly used in domains where decisions carry profound consequences for human lives. By focusing on transparency and explainability, this PhD project gives you the opportunity to shape how humans and AI interact in high-stakes contexts. You will help define how AI can support—not replace—human judgment, ensuring that technology empowers rather than undermines trust and autonomy.
You will be part of the DECIDE project: a large-scale, NWO-funded research initiative under the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA). It brings together 10 Dutch universities, over 50 academic researchers, and 30 societal partners to co-develop a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems. The project spans domains such as healthcare, mobility, education, law, ethics, and public governance.
This position is a collaboration between Utrecht University and the University of Twente. You will also have the opportunity for a secondment at “The Hyve”, a company enabling Open Science. You will be based in Utrecht, working in the AI Technology for Life group. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with researchers at the Utrecht UMC on oncology, radiology and/or psychiatry use cases, involving studies and settings where high-stake decisions are made.
As a PhD candidate, you will be part of a vibrant inter- and transdisciplinary research community, collaborating across disciplines and with societal stakeholders to achieve real-world impact. You will also participate in joint training programmes on interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods, citizen engagement, and ethical AI.
In this project, you will:

  • Review existing Explainable and Transparent AI frameworks and methodology.
  • Develop a framework that takes the needs of all stakeholders into account when high-stake decisions are made. Four different scenarios are used throughout the consortium, to help you develop this.
  • Implement and test such a framework, in a clinical setting.
  • Help teach explainable AI to bachelor’s students and master's students and/or decision makers. For example, by developing workshops and training materials.

    • Where to apply
    Website
    https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/357941/phd-position-in-explainable-ai-…

    Requirements
    Specific Requirements

    We are looking for a collaborative and aspirational new group member who meets the following criteria:

    • A Master’s degree in AI, Computing Science, Data Science or a related discipline.
    • Strong communication and organizational skills.
    • Experience with using machine learning packages (e.g.PyTorch).
    • Completed academic courses in AI or machine learning.
    • Interest in societal, ethical and philosophical questions.


    We consider it an advantage if you bring one or more of the following:

    • Experience with Explainable AI.
    • Experience with Deep Learning.
    • An interdisciplinary background / interdisciplinary training.
    • Have followed courses in Psychology or Philosophy.
    • Understand spoken and written Dutch (as you may need to analyse decisions that involve Dutch stakeholders).

    Additional Information
    Benefits
    • a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first 18 months;
    • a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for 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 also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development , various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities . You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .


    Selection process

    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.
    Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.
    If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

    • your letter of motivation, in which you explain why you are interested in the position and highlight how your previous experience, skills and qualifications demonstrate that you are a suitable candidate for the position, as outlined under “Your qualities”;
    • your curriculum vitae;
    • your academic transcripts (certified records of your grades) for both your BSc and MSc.
    • the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;


    Note that the first round of interviews will take place on 26 March, please save this date in your agenda if you apply.
    If this specific opportunity is not for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
    Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them
    #FundamentalConnection


    Additional comments

    For more information, please contact Prof. dr. S. (Sanne) Abeln at s.abeln@uu.nl .
    Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl .


    Website for additional job details

    https://www.academictransfer.com/357941/

    Work Location(s)
    Number of offers available
    1
    Company/Institute
    Universiteit Utrecht
    Country
    Netherlands
    City
    Utrecht
    Postal Code
    3584CC
    Street
    Princetonplein 5
    Geofield


    Contact
    City

    Utrecht
    Website

    http://www.uu.nl/
    Street

    Domplein 29
    Postal Code

    3512 JE

    STATUS: EXPIRED

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