About the project
DECIDE – Democratizing AI: Empowering Citizens through Transparent Decision-making is a large-scale, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research initiative coordinated by the University of Twente and funded under the NWO Nationale Wetenschapsagenda – Research on Routes by Consortia (NWA-ORC) programme.
The project brings together over 50 academic researchers from 10 Dutch knowledge institutions, 10 PhD candidates, 2 PostDocs, and 30 societal partners to co-develop a new generation of transparent, citizen-empowering AI systems. DECIDE addresses urgent societal challenges at the intersection of AI, democracy, and citizen empowerment, with applications in domains such as healthcare, mobility, education, law, ethics, and public governance.
Through collaborative research and co-design with citizens, DECIDE aims to redefine how AI systems are developed and used—shifting from top-down, opaque technologies to bottom-up, transparent tools that support responsible decision-making and strengthen democratic values. website.
As PMO/PSO, you will be the operational and procedural backbone of the DECIDE project. You will work closely with the project leader Prof. dr. ir. Mieke Boon, two PostDocs, the interuniversity Project Management Team, the consortium partners and societal stakeholders. Your role in this is to support the implementation and coordination of the project management structure, internal processes, policies, and procedures.
This is a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for inter and transdisciplinary collaboration, societal impact, and responsible AI, who thrives in complex environments, and wants to contribute to creating a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive culture within this project to realize its academic ambitions and societal impact.
Key responsibilities:
- Support the Project Leader, the Consortium Steering Committee (CSC) and the Leadership Team (LT) in their strategic and operational decision-making;
- Set up a central, online project management system to act as the main repository for project-related documentation and as a platform for information sharing;
- Organize and facilitate consortium meetings, reporting cycles, and dissemination activities;
- Coordinate and monitor project progress, deliverables, and milestones across 6 work packages (WPs) and 4 uses-cases (citizen empowerment scenario’s, CESs);
- Set up and maintain project structures, procedures, and documentation (e.g., reporting, risk management, budget tracking);
- Ensure compliance with funding regulations, data management, and ethical standards;
- Serve as the first point of contact for NWO, consortium partners, and external stakeholders;
- Organize and facilitate internal and external communication through DECIDE website and other social media;
- Contribute to knowledge utilization and impact activities, including workshops, exhibitions, and stakeholder engagement.
Information and application
For questions or to express informal interest, please contact: Prof. dr. ir. Mieke Boon – m.boon@utwente.nl
Your application, including a motivation letter (max. 2 pages) of application and a CV highlighting relevant experience and optionally a short reflection on how your background aligns with the goals of DECIDE (optionally), can be uploaded until October, 26th, 2025.
About the department
Philosophy section. This position will be embedded within the philosophy section of the University of Twente. For further information, visit.
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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