PhD Position in Co-Design Methods with Diverse Disabled Communities University of Amsterdam

The Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate as part of the NWO-funded research project TACIT (Inclusive Technologies for Access and Social Participation). TACIT focuses on the co-design of inclusive and accessible AI and other technologies for people with disabilities through inclusive Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and participatory design methods. This PhD project will focus on methods and experiences in co-designing with stakeholders especially those with lived experience of disabilities through ethnographic and research-through-design approaches.

Background

Around 25% of the Dutch population lives with long-term visual hearing or cognitive disabilities and diversities often facing barriers to participation equity and inclusion. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) which requires EU service providers to ensure digital accessibility by 2025 marks a major step toward reducing these barriers. However technologies not co-designed with the communities in question often fail to meet real needs.
TACIT aims to:

• promote broader societal inclusion through equitable inclusive and human-centered design
• drive innovation in assistive technologies
• enhance accessibility of public services
• accelerate the adoption of the EAA

This particular PhD position focuses on iteratively co-developing and validating inclusive co-design methodologies that enable disabled communities to take the lead in technology development in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The goal is to translate these methods into best practices for applying the EAA and ensuring equal participation in society.
The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in accessibility design methods human-computer interaction artificial intelligence and human-centered and inclusive design. They are passionate about creating socially impactful inclusive co-design methods and eager to engage directly with designers computer scientists people with disabilities caregivers technology developers and relevant stakeholders through co-design and participatory research.
**A related PhD position is available at TU Delft Department of Industrial Design Engineering. The TU Delft position focuses on design methodologies while the PhD at the University of Amsterdam emphasizes the human dimension of co-design methods with communities living with disabilities. Candidates may apply for both positions.

What you will do

• Co-develop a set of integrated and inclusive co-design methodologies for large-scale collaborations with stakeholders in technology development led by disabled communities
• Contribute to synthesizing insights on co-design for specific disabilities in order to formulate a coherent set of methodologies that recognize both shared and unique needs
• Identify challenges in applying the EEA and co-develop and create best practices for addressing them
• Apply these best practices in co-creation evaluation and robust metrics throughout the project

Job Requirements

The successful PhD candidate will have:

• Masters degree (or equivalent) in Human-Computer Interaction Psychology or Disability Studies
• Strong interest in accessibility assistive technology human-computer interaction and co-design research
• Personal or professional experience of working with people and communities living with disabilities
• Ability and willingness to work in a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder environment
• Excellent research skills
• Fluency in English (fluency in Dutch is recommended but not mandatory)
• Prior publications and experience in human-computer interaction research are assets but not a requirement

Our offer

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible but can be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance at courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching and tutoring undergraduates and masters students.
The gross monthly salary based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience ranges between 3059 to 3881 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD Candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

In addition to the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on full-time) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff time management handling stress and an online learning platform with 100 different courses;
• 7 weeks of birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility of setting up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two-thirds of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when youre moving from abroad.

If you are curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits take a look here.

Where you will work

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 members of staff working in education research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works be it elementary particles the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The mission of the Informatics Institute (IvI) is to perform curiosity-driven and use-inspired fundamental research in Computer Science. The main research themes are Artificial Intelligence Computational Science and Systems and Network Engineering. Our research involves complex information systems at large with a focus on collaborative data driven computational and intelligent systems all with a strong interactive component.
The Digital Interactions Lab (DILAB) is a small but vibrant human-computer interaction research group within the Informatics Institute at the University of Amsterdam established in 2021. Our research bridges the gap between socio-technical and human-centered understandings of what people need technology to be and how it might enhance our an inherently multidisciplinary endeavour the DILAB is committed to connecting the realm of technology with reflections concepts and knowledge established in various domains of social science and psychology.

If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including1 November 2025.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in a single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation including a description of your research interests and an explanation for why you are applying for this position (1-2 pages);
• a list of all Master-level modules you have taken with an official transcript of grades
• a list of publications (if applicable; note that prior publications are not a prerequisite);
• a link to a writing sample available online such as your Masters thesis a term paper or publication (in case of joint authorship please clearly indicate your own contribution)
• the names affiliations and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
The interviews will be held in December 2025.
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information Please contact:

• Prof. Judith Good