The department of philosophy of the University of Twente (UT) seeks to appoint a Postdoctoral researcher (4 years) to join the DECIDE project – Democratizing AI: Empowering Citizens through Transparent Decision-making. You will combine scientific research with practical design and coordination of activities aimed at the inter- and transdisciplinary research in this project.
About the DECIDE Project
The DECIDE project is a large-scale, NWO-funded interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research initiative coordinated by the University of Twente. It brings together over 50 academic researchers from 10 Dutch knowledge institutions and 30 societal partners to co-develop a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems. The project spans domains such as healthcare, mobility, education, law, ethics, and public governance.
The position
You will be based at the UT in Enschede, and you will need to live, or to move, to the Twente region or within a short commute. Within the UT structure, your supervisor will be Prof.dr. M. Boon and co-supervisor Dr. Miles MacLeod.
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the DECIDE project at the University of Twente. The postdoc will play a central role in developing and coordinating interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration across the consortium, with a focus on methodological innovation, training, and knowledge utilization.
This position is embedded in Work Package 1 (WP1), which supports the entire DECIDE consortium in achieving its societal impact goals through integrated collaboration between academic disciplines and societal stakeholders.
The challenge
- Design and implement training programs for PhD candidates and consortium members in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research methods;
- Develop and facilitate workshops and webinars to build collaborative expertise across technical, social, and humanities disciplines;
- Coordinate citizen engagement strategies, including co-design activities and public outreach (e.g., exhibitions, lectures, alternative social media platforms);
- Contribute to the development of ethical frameworks for responsible collaboration with citizens and societal partners;
- Support knowledge utilization activities, including dissemination of research findings through educational materials, events, and digital platforms;
- Scientific research into societal-impact oriented inter- and transdisciplinary research methods and training;
- Collaborate closely with the postdoc at EWUU alliance and the project management officer to ensure coherence and impact across work packages.
Information and application
- Please include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position, a detailed CV (resume) and a publication list. You can apply until November 1st. Interviews are expected to take place in November 2025.
- For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. M. Boon, email m.boon@utwente.nl.
Interviews will take place online on Friday, 21 November.
About the department
We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente (UT) is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and give hardworking researchers scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.
The Philosophy group is part of the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS).
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), we unite the worlds of people and technology to address today’s complex societal challenges. We are passionate about understanding human behaviour, fostering responsible innovation, and designing solutions that create societal value. Our educational programmes span disciplines such as Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences, and Health Sciences. Through our bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Professional Learning & Development programmes, and interdisciplinary research themes – including Emerging Technologies & Societal Transformations, Resilience, Smart Industry, Learning, and Health – we empower students and researchers to make a positive societal impact.
At BMS, we combine critical thinking with practical action. From advancing sustainable mobility with innovations like the world’s most efficient hydrogen car to shaping policies that promote digital inclusion, our work contributes to a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. Whether it’s exploring how technology influences human behaviour or leveraging data and innovation to transform industries and communities, we ensure that technology serves people – and not the other way around.
As an employer, BMS offers a vibrant, inclusive, and entrepreneurial environment where you can thrive personally and professionally. Join us and become part of a forward-thinking community that equips you to shape the future – for yourself and society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact.
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