Postdoctoral Researcher in AI for Understanding Visual Narratives

Visual Narratives, for the Department of Intelligent Systems, Location: Tilburg, Contract size: 0.9 fte (36 hours per week). Deadline: 1 December 2026 Published: 2026-11-02 Research fields: Medical sciences; Psychological sciences; Computer science Job type: Postdoc Weekly hours: 32–36 hours per week Salary indication: €3,546–€4,728 per month Location: Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg Job description Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences, Center of Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence at Tilburg University (TiU) is looking for an enthusiastic new colleague in the domains of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The postdoc will contribute to the research project “Advancing Research in Palliative Care: Employing Rich Pictures”, a collaboration between Tilburg University, Amsterdam UMC and Amsta Nursing Home. In this project, you will collaborate with prof. dr. Hanneke van Laarhoven, head of the Department of Medical Oncology at Amsterdam UMC and her team. Little is known about the existential concerns of patients in the palliative phase of life. Discussing one's life in this phase can be difficult for patients. Visual aids, like 'Rich Pictures' (RPs), can facilitate this and bring to light concerns that might not otherwise be discussed. RPs can also illustrate changes over time, for instance, after an intervention. Thus, they can also serve as a new research instrument. However, RP analysis is highly labor-intensive and challenging due to the variability in drawing styles, the numerous elements and their complex relationships, and the implicit meanings of specific symbols. By accelerating RP analysis with AI, RPs can also be used as a measurement tool in large-scale research and clinical practice. Your position The postdoc will play a key role in the research team. The key responsibilities include: Extend, develop, and refine AI methods and tools to support the analysis and interpretation of Rich Pictures (RPs). Adapt and improve a user-friendly interface that makes the AI tools accessible to researchers and healthcare professionals. Collaborate closely with humanities researchers and healthcare professionals at Amsterdam UMC and other project partners. Publish research findings in scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences. Requirements We understand that no candidate will meet every single requirement. If you are excited about this position but do not tick every box, we still encourage you to apply. In your application, tell us not only about the qualifications you bring but also about the areas you are eager to develop further and how you envision doing so. We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities, backgrounds, and orientations. Your profile The successful candidate should: Hold a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, Digital Humanities, Computer Science, or another relevant discipline. Have an interest in and experience with deep learning, computer vision, image analysis, and/or multimodal AI. Possess strong programming skills in Python and experience with relevant AI technologies, such as PyTorch and vision-language models (VLMs), as well as web development frameworks, such as Flask or Django. Have an interest in applying AI to human-centered research, healthcare, or other socially relevant domains. Be interested in working across disciplines, particularly at the intersection of AI, humanities, and healthcare. Have a good command of English, both spoken and written. Conditions of employment Our offer Tilburg University offers excellent benefits in a pleasant working environment: Employment of 0.8 – 0.9 fte (32-36 hours per week). Salary between €3,546 and €4,728 gross per month for full-time employment (UFO-profile researcher 4, salary scale 10). Tilburg University uses a neutral remuneration system based on relevant work experience. Vacation pay of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Over 8 weeks of vacation leave. Hybrid working with home working allowance (€2 p/day) and internet allowance (€25 p/month). Reimbursement sustainable commuting: walking, cycling, and public transport. Options model for additional leave, pension, a bicycle or personal training. Moving allowance (subject to conditions). 30% rule for international employees (if applicable). Pension through ABP. Ample training offer: personal development, leadership, education, research or language courses. Inclusive work culture: everyone welcome, equal opportunities. A green, inviting campus that’s easily accessible by public transport. For more information, please see our website and the CLA Dutch Universities. Employer Tilburg University Tilburg University is the university in the humanities and social sciences. Ever since our foundation in 1927, we have been committed to a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. With leading research and inspiring education, we contribute to the interpretation and, where possible, solutions to current societal issues, from climate change to digitalization. Our community is personal, engaged, and small-scale. On our green, compact, and vibrant campus there is room for encounter, collaboration, reflection, and personal growth. Read more about Tilburg University. Working at Tilburg University means working in an inclusive team with attractive employment conditions. At Tilburg University, you will receive ample opportunities to strengthen your talents and develop your career, in a warm working atmosphere where we attach great importance to the following values: curious, connected, caring, and courageous. About the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) Research and education at the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD) focuses on humans, technology, culture, and their interactions in a globalizing digital society. From the interplay of our disciplines, our research and education focuses on the development of artificial intelligence and interactive technologies, their influence on communication, culture and society, and moral and existential challenges that arise. The School of Humanities and Digital Sciences consists of six Departments: Communication and Cognition, Computational Cognitive Science, Intelligent Systems, Culture Studies, Philosophy, and the Tilburg Center of the Learning Sciences. Collaboration across disciplines is encouraged among both researchers and students. With this approach, we nurture a way of thinking that takes into account different perspectives and the diverse, sometimes conflicting needs and interests of people and society. At TSHD, we foster a culture of integrity, trust, diversity and inclusion, and constructive and critical dialogue. All members of our community are recognized and valued for their unique contributions. University College Tilburg, with its interdisciplinary Liberal Articles and Sciences program, holds a unique position within the School. This collaboration with other Schools also includes the disciplines of economics, law, and the social sciences. Read more about the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences (TSHD). Department About the Research Center for Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence The Research Center for Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence at Tilburg University is part of the Tilburg School of Humanities and Digital Sciences. The center emphasizes innovative cutting-edge research in those areas of cognitive science that bring together psychological and computational theories and methodologies. The group is responsible for the Bachelor and the Master program Cognitive Science & Artificial Intelligence, is co-responsible for the university-wide data science Master program Data Science & Society and is affiliated with the Jheronimus Academy of Data Science ( http://www.jads.nl ). Researchers in the Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence center have access to computer clusters, experimental lab facilities, and the virtual and mixed reality DAF Technology Lab and its sensing technologies ( https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/campus/experiencing-virtual-reality/ ). Moreover, researchers play an important role in Mind Labs ( http://www.mind-labs.eu ), an initiative that fosters collaborations between knowledge institutions and corporations in the field of interactive technologies and behavior. About Deep Learning for Perception Research Unit You will be embedded in the Deep Learning for Perception Research Unit, which focuses on developing deep learning methods in contexts hallmarked by a high degree of complexity and uncertainty. In our research, we study generative models of perception. We also address transparency and explainability of deep learning models, in combination with techniques designed to reduce complexity of deep learning architectures. Additional information Want to know more? Would you like to know more before applying? Feel free to contact dr. Juan Sebastian Olier at j.s.olier@tilburguniversity.edu , dr. Samaneh Khoshrou at s.khoshrou@tilburguniversity.edu or dr. Sharon Ong at l.l.ong@tilburguniversity.edu . More information on the project can be found here: https://www.zonmw.nl/nl/artikel/beter-passende-palliatieve-zorg-met-ai Working at Tilburg University At Tilburg University, we seek to study and understand society and in this way we contribute to solving complex societal issues. Our core values are: curious, caring, connected, and courageous. Read more.