AI:Mind Lab

AI:X is an ambitious initiative at Aalborg University that aims to advance AI research and create real-world impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, and five labs will be initiated in 2025 with a total of 20 PhD stipends. The AI:MIND Lab is part of the AI:X initiative with four PhD stipends and is a collaboration between the Department of Computer Science, The Technical Faculty of IT and Design and the Department of Communication and Psychology, The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The four stipends are open for appointment from 01.08.2025 or soon thereafter.

Jobbeskrivelse
We combine research in psychology and human-computer interaction to address mental health issues in young people through conversational AI. Specifically, we seek to strengthen identity through guided and personalized reflection and reduce psychopathological symptoms. Further, we aim to support mental health professionals by identifying identity disturbance markers in these reflective conversations. This innovative approach aims to support early and cost-effective intervention to prevent severe mental health issues.
The lab is looking for candidates for the following four stipends. Stipends 1 and 2 focus on the design, development, and evaluation of conversational AI in the context of mental health and well-being, combining AI expertise with human-centred design principles. Stipends 3 and 4 focus on examining how AI technology influence identity and mental health in young people within daily and long-term timescales and investigate AI’s applied values in clinical contexts.
Stipend 1:User-Centred Evaluation of Conversational AI
This position focuses on the user-centred design of conversational AI, aimed at supporting mental health. The candidate will conduct user research to understand young people's needs, goals, and experiences related to identity development, as well as the design and evaluation of conversational interactions in lab and real-world contexts. The ideal candidate will have a background in digital design, human-computer interaction, computer science, or psychology. Prior research experience in digital prototype development and/or AI is a plus.

Stipend 2: Intelligent Mobile Conversational Agents
This position seeks to develop and evaluate conversational agents that aid in long-term identity development and mental health reflections, as well as the use of conversational agents in training mental health professionals. The ideal candidate will have a background in computer science, human-computer interaction, data science, computational linguistics, or a related field. Strong technical skills and prior experience with AI is a plus.

Stipend 3:“Zooming In and Out”– Identity-Strengthening AI
This position focuses on exploring how AI technologies can influence identity and mental health across both daily and long-term timescales in young people. The ideal candidate will have a background in psychology, with experience or interest in ecological momentary assessment and longitudinal research. A strong interest in identity development, personality, and personality pathology is essential. Clinical experience is considered an asset.

Stipend 4:“Zooming Wide”– Applied AI in Mental Health Contexts
This position centres on the applied use of AI in mental health settings. The candidate will investigate how AI can detect markers of identity disturbance and explore the potential for AI to support training of mental health professionals—particularly in responding adaptively to simulated presentations of identity disturbance. A background in psychology is required, with a strong interest in identity, personality, and personality pathology. Some clinical experience is preferred.

Given the interdisciplinary and ambitious nature of the project, we are looking for candidates with excellent collaboration and communication skills.

You may obtain further information concerning the scientific aspects of the stipends for project 1 and 2 from Professor Niels van Berkel, email: Department of Computer Science and for project 3 and 4 from Assistant Professor Majse Lind,email: , Department of Communication and Psychology.

Application
The application must contain the following:

• A cover letter, incl. motivation to apply for the position. Please clearly indicate at the top of your application which of the projects you are applying for
• Copy of diplomas/transcripts
• Curriculum vitae(CV) with a brief explanation of the applicant’s background
• A research statement(max 3 pages) This description should outline the applicant’s thoughts and ideas on possible research directions
• List of written work(optional)
• Sample of written work, e.g. Master´s thesis(optional)
• Other relevant information.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the relevant Doctoral School in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.
When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.
We expect to conduct interviews in late May 2025.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Lene Møller, AAU PhD, email: .

For more information on The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design: https://www.phd.aau.dk/tech(stipend 1 and 2).

For more information on The Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Humanities: https://www.phd.aau.dk/ssh(stipend 3 and 4).
Please observe the specific grade and language requirements for this Doctoral School here: https://www.phd.aau.dk/ssh/become-a-phd-student#admission-requirements

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Ansøgningsfrist
2025-04-28

Ref. nummer
50-25045