PhD position on AI for Collaborative Work in Blue-Collar Environments

PhD position in Human-Computer Interaction / Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence

Help shape the future of work. This PhD project investigates how collaborative AI agents can support communication learning and shared understanding in blue-collar workplaces. The project combines fieldwork in real-world settings with the design and evaluation of AI-driven tools. You will join an active collaborative team in a supportive research environment.

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design Department of Computer Science a PhD stipend in Human-Computer Interaction is available within the general study program Computer Science. The stipend is available for appointment as of March 1st 2026 or soon thereafter. The position is a three-year role and is located in the Department of Computer Science at Aalborg Universitys Technical Faculty for IT and Design. The project is funded by a NordForsk research project (Nordic Perspectives on Collaborative AI for Blue-collar Work). In addition to Aalborg University the project involves collaborators at the University of Tampere the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Stockholm University.

Your work tasks

In this project we will investigate the integration of Artificial Intelligence in blue-collar working environments. Specifically this PhD project will study how collaborative AI agents can be designed to increase shared team cognition reduce cognitive stress and improve team communication. You will have the opportunity to shape the project based on your interests. We welcome candidates with different profiles: from user-centred researchers with experience in fieldwork and data analysis to technically oriented candidates with expertise in AI and interactive systems development.

Scientific dissemination is expected to focus on leading Human-Computer Interaction venues. For further information about the project see: competencies

You must hold a masters degree in computer science human-computer interaction interaction design artificial intelligence or a related field and demonstrate strong collaboration skills and the ability to adopt new skills and technologies quickly. Outstanding spoken and written communication skills in English are essential. The ideal applicant has prior research experience and a strong background in user-centred design and/or software development.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters 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 Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19 2025 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.

Who we are

The selected candidate will be part of the Human-Centered Computing Section ( an ambitious and supportive research environment in which we study the design development and use of interactive computer systems through empirical and experimental methods. The Section operates at the intersection between psychology and the social sciences on the one hand and computer science and technology on the other.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position.
• Project description: a maximum two-page description outlining the applicants thoughts and ideas on possible research directions within the context of the topic outlined above.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Diplomas (bachelors and masters degrees).

Do you have any questions
If you have any questions about the position you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here.

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.

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.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.