PhD Candidate in Relational Meaning of Embodied Agents in Long-Term Care
Explore how embodied AI agents shape meaningful, person-centered elderly care through interdisciplinary research.
Best for:Best for interdisciplinary researchers with a background in psychology, human-technology interaction, or related fields, passionate about combining qualitative, quantitative, and participatory research methods to explore AI’s role in elderly care.
Overview
This PhD position at Open Universiteit (OU) focuses on investigating the relational and ethical dimensions of embodied AI agents in long-term care settings. The project, titled MAGIC, bridges psychology, technology, culture, and gerontology to understand how these agents contribute to safe, personalized elderly care. The successful candidate will design, execute, and coordinate research activities, collaborate with internal and external partners, and disseminate findings through publications and conferences. The role emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, participatory research methods, and a strong focus on ethical and cultural aspects of technology use in aging care.
What you'll do
- Design, execute, and coordinate research activities within the MAGIC project, focusing on embodied AI agents in long-term care.
- Collaborate with internal and external project partners to align research goals and deliverables.
- Report research findings through scientific publications, reports, and conference presentations.
- Present research outcomes at national and international conferences and events.
- Contribute to the further development of the project’s content and methodology.
- Supervise undergraduate and master’s students working on related research projects.
- Actively engage with the academic community to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
- Collaborate with other PhD candidates conducting related research in elderly care.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in psychology, health sciences, behavioral sciences, Human-Technology Interaction, cultural studies, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; Dutch proficiency is advantageous for collaboration within the Dutch context
Instruction: English
- Experience or strong affinity for designing and conducting scientific research
- Proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective analytical techniques
- Experience or interest in participatory research methods such as co-design, co-creation, or Group Concept Mapping
- Interest in relational, ethical, and cultural aspects of technology use
- Familiarity with or interest in long-term care and elderly care settings
- Strong ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams and with diverse stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English
- Open to candidates from any nationality
- No specific age or residency restrictions mentioned
- No prior experience caps, though research experience is preferred
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants must submit their application through the AcademicTransfer portal. Ensure your application includes all required documents and clearly address the project’s research focus and your qualifications. The application process involves a review of your academic background, research experience, and fit for the interdisciplinary MAGIC project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter explaining your interest in the project and research focus
- Copies of academic transcripts and diplomas
- A research proposal or statement outlining your approach to the PhD project
- Names and contact details of two academic referees
Contact
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