Summary
Noldus Information Technology B.V., in collaboration with Utrecht University, is inviting applications for a four-year industrial PhD candidate position under the COHABIT project (funded by the TKI Top Sector program “Life Sciences & Health”). The successful candidate will develop and validate cutting-edge AI annotation technologies leveraging active learning, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Vision-Language Models (VLMs) to improve the reliability and scalability of automated human behavior analysis in clinical and scientific studies.
PhD Candidate – AI for Automated Human Behavior Annotation, Utrecht University, Netherlands
Designation
PhD Candidate
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Position | PhD Candidate – AI for Automated Human Behavior Annotation |
| Employer | Noldus Information Technology B.V. (in collaboration with Utrecht University) |
| Project | COHABIT Project (funded by TKI Top Sector “Life Sciences & Health”) |
| Location | Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands (Hybrid / Split time with Utrecht) |
| Employment Type | 32–40 hours per week (1 year initial contract with extension to 4 years upon positive evaluation) |
| Salary | €3,204.00 (Year 1) to €4,051.00 (Year 4) gross per month (CAO NU Scale P) |
| Benefits | 8% Holiday Allowance, 8.33% Year-End Bonus, Pension Scheme |
| Closing Date | September 1, 2026 |
Research Area
- Primary Fields: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Affective Computing
- Key Focus Areas: Active Learning, Large Language & Vision Models (LLMs/VLMs), Automated Behavior Recognition, Clinical Behavioral Data Annotation
Location
Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands (Hybrid work mode, dividing time between Noldus IT in Wageningen and Utrecht University).
Eligibility / Qualification
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Education: A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related technical discipline.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrable experience with machine learning methods and relevant software/AI techniques.
- Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Interpersonal Skills: Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively alongside interdisciplinary researchers, industry partners, and healthcare stakeholders.
- Mindset: Motivation to conduct rigorous, innovative, and impactful research addressing societal challenges and responsible AI application.
Desirable / Preferred:
- Language: Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage (as some AI training materials are in Dutch).
Job Description
- Develop innovative annotation technologies utilizing active learning, LLMs, and VLMs to streamline source data annotation.
- Validate developed AI methodologies through clinical studies focused on human social behavior and emotional expression classification.
- Address key challenges in the reliability, validity, and scalability of automated behavior analysis for diagnostics and health condition predictions.
- Work closely within the Social and Affective Computing group at Utrecht University under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Salah while accessing academic training via the Graduate School program.
- Participate actively in the multidisciplinary AI Research team at Noldus IT.
How to Apply
- Submit your application online directly via the Noldus Job Portal.
- For specific inquiries regarding the position, contact the Hiring Manager, Harold Bult, at
harold.bult@noldus.com.
Selection Procedure:
- Review: Careful evaluation of candidate applications.
- First Interview: Informal introductory interview (on-site or via Teams).
- Second Interview: On-site interview including a practical case presentation/task.
- Offer & Onboarding: Job offer and formal onboarding process.
Last Date to Apply
September 1, 2026
