University of Amsterdam
Institution: University of Amsterdam (UvA), Faculty of Science
Institute: Informatics Institute, Digital Interactions Lab (DILAB)
Contract Type: Full-time PhD (38 hours/week)
Duration: 4 years (initial 18-month evaluation)
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross/month + 8% holiday allowance + 8.3% year-end bonus
Application Deadline: 28 April 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Project Overview
This PhD focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating AI-powered programming environments that are inclusive and human-centered, with a particular focus on supporting neurodiverse women in computing.
Research Areas:
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Software engineering
- Applied Artificial Intelligence, including generative AI
- Participatory and qualitative research methods (co-design, focus groups, interviews)
Activities:
- Build IDE plugins or extensions (e.g., for VS Code) integrating AI functionality.
- Conduct usability studies and participatory co-design workshops.
- Develop modular, configurable software components for programming environments.
- Evaluate tools through mixed-methods experiments (task-based studies, A/B testing).
- Publish and present results at international venues such as ACM CHI, ICER, ICSE.
- Assist in teaching undergraduate and master students.
Candidate Requirements
Essential:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI, HCI, or related field.
- Strong software engineering skills; experience with IDE plugins/extensions or modular software components.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as JavaScript, TypeScript, Python.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken).
Desirable:
- Experience with IDEs like VS Code and generative AI/large language models.
- Qualitative or mixed-methods research experience.
- Knowledge of HCI, accessibility standards, or inclusive design.
- Experience with open-source codebases.
- Interest in feminist, queer-inclusive, or social justice perspectives in computing.
Benefits
- 4-year PhD contract (initial 18 months, extendable upon evaluation).
- Gross monthly salary €3,059–€3,881 + allowances.
- Opportunity for teaching and research collaboration.
- Extensive secondary benefits: holiday leave, parental leave, flexible work, pension (ABP), professional development.
- Supportive and inclusive research environment with accommodations for neurodiversity, disability, or chronic illness.
How to Apply
- Submit motivation letter (specifying interest and fit), CV, list of publications, and two references.
- Applications submitted via the UvA online portal.
- Contact for questions: Dr Siân Brooke – sian.brooke@uva.nl
- For current PhD student insights: Maria Mlocka – maria.mlocka@uva.nl
Apply
