PhD in Human-Centered Generative Creativity Support Tools for Knowledge Work

The Technical Faculty of IT and Design Department of Computer Science Section for Copenhagen Human Augmentation and Collaboration research group

The Department of Computer Science at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications fora fully funded PhD stipendin the area of Human-Computer Interaction generative AI creativity research and knowledge worker studies. The position is open for appointment from May 1 2026 or soon thereafter. The duration of the position is three years. The position is at AAUs Copenhagen campus located at the waterfront in Sydhavnen. The pHd stipend is available within the general study program Computer Science.

As a PhD student you will join a highly collaborative international and ambitious research community with access to state-of-the-art computational resources. The position features the possibility of going on one or more longer stays abroad to facilitate knowledge exchange with top research environments worldwide. The position is funded by a DFF: Inge Lehmann grant.

The Department of Computer Science at Aalborg University is highly regarded in Denmark among researchers students and external partners because of our leading research education and collaboration. The department currently has more than 160 scientific staff 20 administrative staff and 1200 students. Our research is recognised internationally and nationally to be at the highest level of excellence according to community standards prioritizing quality over quantity. We balance applications and theory and societal and scientific impact applying research to solve real-world problems while also conducting foundational research with potential long-term impact. As part of this we are acknowledged and respected for close collaboration with industry and for applying research to create impact and value for society.

The project

The goal of the project is to explore the how we might design critical alternatives to current generative AI tools to support creative knowledge work in human-centered ways. Many current generative AI tools are problematic in different ways. To mention a few many models are trained on copyrighted material without crediting creators and they have huge impacts on the environment because of increased power and water consumption. The PhD will conduct participatory design with knowledge workers impacted by generative AI in their creative work practices and develop and evaluate alternative human-centric generative AI prototypes for these work practices. The PhD is expected to conduct rigorous research on this topic and contribute with empirical methodological and theoretical findings. The dissemination of this research is expected to focus on top research venues such as CHI DIS C&C TOCHI DRS TEI CSCW etc.

The projects PI and co-supervisor is Assistant Professor Jeanette Falk () Department of Computer Science. For information on Jeanettes profile please see: projects main PhD supervisor is Professor Johannes Bjerva () Department of Computer Science. For information on Bjervas profile please see:

competencies

Applicants must have:

• A relevant MSc degree (e.g. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) Computer Science Software Engineering Product Development Business or Knowledge Work Studies or a related field)
• Strong skills inhuman-computer interaction software development prototyping user experience design and creativity research
• Experience with LLM integration and collaboration or participatory design with knowledge workers
• Excellent communication skills in English

Applicants with prior experience inHCI LLM prototyping participatory design and UX/UI design experience will be preferred.

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.

The application must contain the following:

• Application letter stating your motivations for applying and your qualifications in relation to the position at most one page.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)at most two pagesin addition to a list of any publications
• Diplomas (bachelor and masters degree diploma)
• Project description: Applicants are required to submit along with their application documents indicating their vision for research to be conducted in relation to the project topics outlined above at most two pages.
• Other relevant documents

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the Apply online button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee the head of department with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

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

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.