PhD Position in Explainable AI: Join the DECIDE project at Utrecht University and the University of Twente as a PhD candidate, focusing on the important challenge of ensuring transparency and interpretability in AI systems used for high-stakes decision-making. This position offers an opportunity to work within a collaborative research community dedicated to developing AI technologies that empower human judgment.
PhD Position in Explainable AI for High-Stake Decision Making
Designation
PhD Candidate in Explainable AI
Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Research Area | Artificial Intelligence, Explainable AI |
| Location | Utrecht, Netherlands |
| Eligibility/Qualification | Master’s degree in AI, Computing Science, Data Science, or a related discipline |
| Salary | €3,059 – €3,881 monthly (full-time, scale P) |
| Contract Duration | 18 months (with potential extension to 4 years) |
| Application Deadline | 9 March 2026 |
Research Area
- Explainable AI
- High-stakes decision-making in fields such as healthcare, mobility, education, law, ethics, and public governance.
Location
- Utrecht University, in collaboration with the University of Twente, Netherlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree in AI, Computing Science, Data Science, or related discipline.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Experience with machine learning packages (e.g., PyTorch).
- Completed courses in AI or machine learning.
- Interest in societal, ethical, and philosophical questions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Explainable AI.
- Experience with Deep Learning.
- An interdisciplinary background or training.
- Courses in Psychology or Philosophy.
- Understanding of spoken and written Dutch.
Description
As a PhD candidate in the DECIDE project, you will:
- Review existing Explainable and Transparent AI frameworks and methodologies.
- Develop a stakeholder-inclusive framework for high-stakes decision-making.
- Implement and test this framework within clinical settings.
- Teach Explainable AI to students and decision-makers through workshops and training materials.
This role includes collaboration with researchers at Utrecht UMC on oncology, radiology, or psychiatry, contributing to high-impact research in AI.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply via the “Apply Now” button on the Utrecht University website and submit the following:
- A motivation letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Academic transcripts (certified records) for BSc and MSc.
- Contact information for at least two references.
Last Date for Apply
- 9 March 2026
For more information, contact Prof. Dr. S. Abeln at s.abeln@uu.nl or inquire about the application procedure at science.recruitment@uu.nl.








