PhD Candidate in Human-Centred Design for AI Companionship and Care in Ageing Societies

About this job

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KHQjc4ndas&t=41s About the position The Department of Design at NTNU invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) Lab at NTNU Gjøvik. The position offers an opportunity to conduct mixed method research, applying human-centred design methods and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) perspectives to investigate how AI companionship technologies may reshape experiences of care, companionship, emotional support, wellbeing, and autonomy among older adults. Your immediate leader will be the Head of Department. About the project Many countries are experiencing demographic changes associated with ageing populations, increasing pressure on healthcare systems and growing concerns regarding social isolation and loneliness among older adults. A large body of research shows that this, in turn, can pose severe risks to their physical and mental health, eroding community social resilience and impacting quality of life – as well as longevity in general. At the same time, advances in AI have led to the development of conversational agents, AI companions, and socially assistive technologies designed to provide social and emotional support while removing barriers like accessibility and stigma. Within this context, the PhD candidate will contribute to developing conceptual and functional prototypes that explore alternative futures for AI companionship and care using action-oriented, empathy-driven, and inclusive design methods. Duties of the position Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate Research on why and how AI companionship can address challenges of ageing population Engage in developing, testing, and evaluating prototypes in-house as well as with external stakeholders Take part in both scientific and popular science dissemination Participate in the HCAI Lab and relevant research networks Be involved in international activities, such as conferences and/or research stays at foreign educational institutions Teaching Other career-promoting work Be prepared for changes to your work duties after employment. Required selection criteria You must have a master's degree in design or a related field You must have a strong interest in human-centred AI and the societal implications of AI technologies You must have experience with building prototypes You must have experience with qualitative methods and/or mixed methods Your course of study must correspond to a five-year Norwegian course, where 120 credits have been obtained at the master's level. Master students can apply, but the master's degree must be obtained and documented before starting the position and no later than 15th of July 2027. You must have an average grade from your master's degree studies, or equivalent education, which is equal to a B or better compared to NTNU's grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you have a weaker grade background, you may be considered if you can document that you are particularly suitable for a PhD education. You must meet the requirements for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme You must have good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or another Scandinavian language equivalent to level B2, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills in English The appointment is to be made in accordance with NTNUs guidelines for recruitment positions for general criteria for the position. Preferred selection criteria Experience conducting user-oriented studies, such as interviews, workshops, or co-design activities Knowledge of accessibility, universal and inclusive design, ageing, wellbeing, healthcare technologies, or welfare technologies Dissemination of research in relevant venues Personal characteristics We seek a PhD candidate who is: Curious, open-minded, and motivated to explore innovative HCAI solutions Able to work independently and collaboratively Interested in combining theory, research, and design practice Enthusiastic about connecting with people and engaging with real-world societal challenges Willing to contribute to a positive work atmosphere Emphasis will be placed on personal qualities. We offer An exciting job with an important mission in society Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period Open and inclusive working environment with committed colleagues Working capital that can be used to implement the project Mentor programme as a new employee at NTNU Fav

Want to know if you're a fit? Check your CV against this role — free, in 30 seconds.

Similar jobs

• Vil du jobbe med bil? Fleksibel deltidsjobb hos Vanly Varebilutleie (20–50%) · Vanly As
• Fast jobb som sykepleier i vakre Trøndelag · Dignus Medical
• Sommerjobb med puls – bli ferievikar på Hjerte- og thoraxklinikken · Hjerte- og thoraxklinikken St. Olavs hospital
• Ferievikarer 2027 · KLINIKK FOR ORTOPEDI, REVMATOLOGI OG HUDSYKDOMMER, St. Olavs hospital
• Brenner hjertet ditt for ruspasienten? Vi søker ferievikarer for sommeren 2027! · Klinikk for rus- og avhengighetsmedisin, St. Olavs hospital
• Ferievikarer 2027 · Fødeavdelingen - Kvinneklinikken, St. Olavs hospital, KVINNEKLINIKKEN