Are you interested in the role of audio in human interaction with computing systems? Do you want to actively shape our understanding of how audio design impacts whether technology is viewed as trustworthy or persuasive? If this spikes your interest, then read on and consider applying to join our research group.
About the position
We are looking for an ambitious PhD student to explore the audio design of interactive technologies, for which you will apply user-centered design methods and empirical research methods. In this 4-year PhD, you will explore how systems’ audio can be designed to be perceived as trustworthy or persuasive, and critically explore how this can be done responsibly. This research will be conducted as part of the Digital Interactions Lab at UvA’s Informatics Institute.
What are you going to do?
The thesis will involve both design and research. You will follow user-centered design methods to shape system audio through prototyping, iteration, and redesign. In complement to this, you will evaluate users’ perception of system audio by conducting and analyzing rigorous mixed-methods user studies. This will systematically explore user perceptions and responses including their trust and confidence in the conveyed information, as well as ethical considerations surrounding how audio is designed and potentially can be misused in the design of computing systems.
The project will focus on sound effects and synthetic voice as a design material, and may focus on several specific application areas, such as AI chatbots and voice user interfaces. It may also involve collaboration with audio designers and engineers in the private sector. At the end of the four-year PhD, you will be an established scholar in HCI, with publications in national and international venues (e.g., conferences like ACM CHI or the TOCHI journal).
The exact topic and work plan of the PhD relating to the broad ideas above will be defined in discussion with the selected candidate. The research will involve some or all of the following :
Your profile
Your experience and profile meet the following requirements :
Desirable qualities also include :
Our offer
We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible but can be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching and tutoring undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,901 to € 3,707 (scale P).This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits :
If you are curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .
Where you will work
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large, with a focus on collaborative, data driven, computational and intelligent systems, all with a strong interactive component.
The Digital Interactions Lab (DILAB) is a small but vibrant human-computer interaction research group within the Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam, established in 2021. Our research bridges the gap between socio-technical and human-centered understandings of what people need technology to be, and how it might enhance our societies. In an inherently multidisciplinary endeavour, the DILAB is committed to connecting the realm of technology with reflections, concepts, and knowledge established in various domains of social science and psychology.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 03 March 2025.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file) :
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
for details : national knowledge security guidelines )
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
The interviews will be held in the course of March.
Do you have any questions, or do you require additional information? Please contact :