PhD Position in Environmental Science

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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