The Digital Future Lab is looking for a motivated and passionate researcher for a doctoral program specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). During the PhD project, you will have the opportunity to work independently but, at the same time, work together with experts in the field and be part of a multidisciplinary team. Together, we will strive for fundamental research contributions, publications at top conferences and journals, but also an impact beyond the academic world in collaboration with companies.

We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in (the intersection of) AI and HCI, who will join a multidisciplinary team of PhD students working on a new research project about human-centred AI for worker well-being in the manufacturing industry. As a member of this team, you will perform research on several of these topics:

• the impact of and opportunities for AI-driven solutions in the context of worker well-being in the manufacturing industry (e.g., human-robot collaboration, non-intrusive digital assistance, performance and quality monitoring);
• new methodologies and engineering approaches to design, develop and evaluate human-centred AI-based technology for the manufacturing industry, focusing on human-AI interaction and sustainable work;
• novel AI-based methods and algorithms to transform the workplace into a well-being-aware, calm, inclusive and personalizable environment, with a focus on explainable and human-in-the-loop approaches;
• VR-based simulations as testing environments for applications of AI technology in the manufacturing industry.

The Digital Future Lab (formerly known as Expertise Centre for Digital Media, EDM) has been conducting (mainly) software-oriented research in computer science for more than 25 years. The research center operates according to the "Combining Applied and Basic Research (ABC)" principle, striving for fundamental innovations that quickly reach society and end users. This vision has resulted in structural collaboration with the Flemish strategic research centres imec and Flanders Make. We offer researchers a stimulating, pleasant and easily accessible working environment in which teamwork and well-being play an important role. Researchers get the opportunity to study the latest technologies and work with state-of-the-art equipment to support their research.

• You have a master's degree in computer science, in computer science engineering, or in software systems engineering technology (or equivalent).
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You obtained good to excellent study results and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• You are passionate about computer science and have a demonstrable interest in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. You should demonstrate knowledge in artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction, but we encourage you to apply even if you do not have extensive experience in both fields, as long as you have a clear interest in both AI en HCI (make sure to address this in your motivation letter).

• You have the necessary skills and demonstrable experience in software development in (preferably) multiple programming languages. We expect from a successful candidate the ability to come up with innovative concepts, but also the development of demonstrators and working prototypes.

• You are very fluent in English, both written as well as oral.

• You can successfully combine working independently with working in a team of researchers.
• You are enthusiastic about participating in reporting and presenting the results of your research.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
We offer you a doctoral fellowship for two years. This can be extended by two years after a positive mid-term evaluation by the doctoral committee. The starting date is preferably fall 2025.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
If you are interested, please include a motivation letter with your application that specifically addresses the vacancy. Pay special attention to describing your portfolio of relevant project work.

Apply now
Apply up to 18.08.2025