PhD on Inclusive Human-AI Co-Creation with Children with ASD

Introduction

Are you eager to explore how AI can enable inclusive co-creation for neurodiverse children?

Would you like to work at the intersection of design, artificial intelligence, and social impact, while contributing to new research methods in human-AI collaboration? Then we are looking for you!

We are hiring a technically strong, creative, and socially motivated PhD candidate to join the international, interdisciplinary TACIT project (Tailored AI-Driven Co-Creation for Inclusive Digital Transformation). This 5-year research position will contribute to cutting-edge work at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and accessibility, with a focus on inclusive co-creation methodologies for children with autism and eating behavior challenges.

Job Description

We invite highly motivated candidates with a background in HCI, AI, Design or robotics to apply for a PhD position in the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). You will join the international TACIT project (Tailored AI-Driven Co-Creation for Inclusive Digital Transformation), which investigates how co-creation between humans and AI can be made inclusive for all — including children with autism and eating behavior challenges.  This research explores how large language models (LLMs), interactive robotics, and multimodal technologies can support creative expression and collaboration among children with diverse cognitive and sensory profiles. The project’s main objective is not the development of a single intervention, but the design and validation of new methodologies for inclusive design and co-creation for children with ASD and ARFID using AI-empowered agents and games. This includes examining how these technological solutions systems can be adapted to support child-led engagement, reciprocal interaction, and improve the quality of life of this particular group of children and their parents. As part of this project, you will design, prototype, and test interaction concepts using AI-augmented tools (e.g., sociable robots, game-based environments). These prototypes will serve as a foundation for user studies and methods development, ultimately leading to transferable knowledge for inclusive AI design.

Your Role:

• Develop and refine co-design methodologies for inclusive human-AI interaction
• Design and conduct user studies with children, families, and professionals
• Designing human robot interaction (e.g., sensory adaptive, child-led, reciprocal AI)
• Develop LLM-driven dialogue systems integrated into robotic and/or digital platforms
• Prototype and evaluate multimodal interfaces for inclusive co-creation
• Collaborate with project partners across Europe in a multi-disciplinary environment
• Publish in top-tier venues (CHI, CSCW, TOCHI, HRI, IJHCS, etc.)

You will be supervised by researchers from the Industrial Design department and will have the opportunity to collaborate with partners across Europe.

Job Requirements

• A master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design, AI, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related field
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python), including experience with large language models
• Interest in inclusive design, accessibility, or child-AI interaction
• Affinity for working with children with special needs (children with ASD, ARFID)
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)

In addition, the following are appreciated:

• Experience with robotics platforms (e.g., NAO, QT, or ROS)
• Background in psychology, education, or interaction design
• Experience with multimodal interaction (e.g., gesture, gaze, speech)

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please apply through the 'apply now' -button on this page. Applications sent by other channels will not be considered. If you have additional questions that were not answered in this advertisement or the suggested links, you may contact the PI, Emilia Barakova e.i.barakova@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR advice, HRServices.ID@tue.nl or +31 40 2475902.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including education history, relevant courses (including grades), research experience (if available), a list of your publications (if available), and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.