Postdoc position in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence - HCC

EDU Passport LLC; Aalborg; On-site; DKK 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Aalborg University invites applications for a postdoc position in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence. The role focuses on safeguarding users’ cognitive autonomy in human-AI interaction, connecting cognitive theory with empirical methods.

The project is funded for two years and aims to advance digital interventions that support independent thinking. Applicants should hold a PhD in HCI, computer science, applied AI, cognitive psychology, or related fields, with strong collaboration and

Qualifications

• PhD in Human-Computer Interaction or related field and soon-to-be PhD completion accepted.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills are essential.
• Ability to publish and present at leading Human-Computer Interaction venues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical and methodological research bridging HCI and cognitive psychology.
• Develop and evaluate AI-assisted interfaces that safeguard cognitive autonomy in human-AI interaction.
• Disseminate findings through top HCI conferences/journals, and collaborate with the HAC group.

Skills

PhD collaboration skills

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in HCI/CS/AI or related

Job description

Job Location

Global

Job Description

Offer Description

Postdoc position in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence The Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University invites applications for a postdoc position working with Professor Niels van Berkel. The earliest starting date for this position is 1st of January 2027. The project: Safeguarding Users’ Cognitive Autonomy in Human-AI Interaction Cognitive autonomy, our fundamental ability to think independently, is under threat from growing reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

While designed to assist, AI recommendations may inadvertently impede cognitive reasoning and steer decision-making. This raises novel questions about designing systems that assist users while supporting independent thinking. To safeguard users’ cognitive autonomy, this project aims to identify when users’ cognitive autonomy is at risk and how timely digital interventions can support independent thinking. The position is a two-year role and funded by a DFF research project (‘Safeguarding Users’ Cognitive Autonomy in Human-AI Interaction’).

Research objectives This project develops methods to detect changes in users' cognitive load and designs digital interventions that support cognitive autonomy , people's ability to think independently, in human-AI interaction. You will connect the project's technical work with its grounding in cognitive theory. The position suits candidates with a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction or a related field who enjoy making empirical, methodological, and technical contributions.

You will have the opportunity to shape the project's direction based on your interests. Scientific dissemination is expected to focus on leading Human-Computer Interaction venues. For further information about the project, see: https://dff. dk/en/our-funded-projects/meet-the-researchers/research-leaders/eksterne-personer-en/research-leaders-2026/niels-van-berkel/. Your competencies You hold, or will soon obtain, a PhD degree in human-computer interaction, computer science, applied artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, or a related field.

You demonstrate strong collaboration skills and the ability to acquire new skills and technologies. Outstanding spoken and written communication skills are essential. Qualifications requirements Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. If you have not yet completed or defended your PhD degree you can provide confirmation of upcoming graduation from your supervisor or PhD school. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment.

Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University. Who we are You will be part of the Human Augmentation and Collaboration research group ( https://www. cs. aau. dk/research/research-groups/human-augmentation-and-collaboration-hac ), an ambitious and supportive research environment in which we design and evaluate interactive systems that extend human cognitive, affective, and collaborative capabilities in digital environments.

We frequently publish in the leading venues in Human-Computer Interaction and are supported through a strong network of collaborators. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the project’s principal investigator, Prof. Niels van Berkel ( nielsvanberkel@cs. aau. dk ), prior to applying to discuss the scientific aspects of the position.

Salary and terms of employment The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Furthermore, your terms of employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities.

You can find information about the salary and salary structure for the position in the Salary Overview for Recruitment - Scientific positions (VIP) . Please refer to the introductory section of the page and the section entitled “Postdoc”. There is a mutual probationary period of 3 months for the position.