"PhD Position in Co-Design Methods with Diverse Disabled Communities - University of Amsterdam"

The Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate as part of the NWO-funded research project TACIT (Inclusive Technologies for Access and Social Participation). TACIT focuses on the co-design of inclusive and accessible AI and other technologies for people with disabilities through inclusive Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and participatory design methods. This PhD project will focus on methods and experiences in co-designing with stakeholders, especially those with lived experience of disabilities, through ethnographic and research-through-design approaches.

Background: Around 25% of the Dutch population lives with long-term visual, hearing, or cognitive disabilities and diversities, often facing barriers to participation, equity, and inclusion. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which requires EU service providers to ensure digital accessibility by 2025, marks a major step toward reducing these barriers. However, technologies not co-designed with the communities in question often fail to meet real needs.

TACIT aims to: promote broader societal inclusion through equitable, inclusive, and human-centered design; drive innovation in assistive technologies; enhance accessibility of public services; accelerate the adoption of the EAA.

This particular PhD position focuses on iteratively co-developing and validating inclusive co-design methodologies that enable disabled communities to take the lead in technology development in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The goal is to translate these methods into best practices for applying the EAA and ensuring equal participation in society.

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in accessibility, design methods, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and human-centered and inclusive design. They are passionate about creating socially impactful, inclusive co-design methods and eager to engage directly with designers, computer scientists, people with disabilities, caregivers, technology developers, and relevant stakeholders through co-design and participatory research.

A related PhD position is available at TU Delft, Department of Industrial Design Engineering. The TU Delft position focuses on design methodologies, while the PhD at the University of Amsterdam emphasizes the human dimension of co-design methods with communities living with disabilities. Candidates may apply for both positions.

What you will do: Co-develop a set of integrated and inclusive co-design methodologies for large-scale collaborations with stakeholders in technology development, led by disabled communities; Contribute to synthesizing insights on co-design for specific disabilities in order to formulate a coherent set of methodologies that recognize both shared and unique needs; Identify challenges in applying the EEA, and co-develop and create best practices for addressing them; Apply these best practices in co-creation, evaluation, and robust metrics throughout the project.

Job Requirements: The successful PhD candidate will have: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or Disability Studies; Strong interest in accessibility, assistive technology, human-computer interaction, and co-design research; Personal or professional experience of working with people and communities living with disabilities; Ability and willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder environment; Excellent research skills; Fluency in English (fluency in Dutch is recommended but not mandatory); Prior publications and experience in human-computer interaction research are assets but not a requirement.

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 at courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching and tutoring undergraduates and master's students. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (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.