PhD Position in information systems for AI in industrial SMEs

You will take on one of the most ambitious topics in the field of industrialization: digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) with autonomous machines, sensor data, and decision support systems. The challenge remains that despite technological advances, the use of AI technologies remains below expectations in industry practice. Effective use of these novel technologies would enable precision farming and manufacturing as well as sustainable intensification, which can have profound impacts on climate change and economic performance. In this PhD project, you will explore a rich contextual understanding of human-AI interactions. Shining light into the interactions of manual laborers and AI will contribute novel understanding of how human-AI configurations at work emerge.

The challenge

The research carried out during this PhD assignment is expected to contribute to theoretical advancements and practical applications. Tasks the candidate is expected to execute include:

Identify problems and set an agenda for future research on AI in manufacturing and agriculture;

Deepen the understanding of human-AI work through fieldwork, including qualitative (interviews), quantitative (experiments, surveys), and/or computational (digital traces) approaches;

Advance theory on digital transformation of work from manual labour to knowledge worker;

Develop and validate technical and organizational interventions that help industrial SMEs adopt novel AI-based technologies successfully;

Equip SMEs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use AI and succeed in times of machine learning and AI.

As a doctoral student, your key responsibilities will be to manage and carry out research projects within 48 months and write a PhD thesis. You will participate in research and training activities and disseminate research in the scientific community (international journals and conferences) and non- scientific community by outreach and public engagement.

You will also be responsible for taking courses per the research education and liaising with the other research staff, students, and partner institutions working in broad areas relevant to the research project.

Participation in other department duties, such as meetings, or teaching, is expected to cover a maximum scope of 20%.

Your profile

We look for a highly motivated, enthusiastic team member – a researcher who is driven by curiosity and has/is:

a master's degree or equivalent in information systems, organizational psychology, organizational behaviour, business administration, computer science or engineering with a human-centred focus, or adjacent disciplines;

an affinity and/or experience with empirical and/or design research methods in information systems (qualitative, quantitative, and/or computational);

a strong team spirit and likes to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment;

can carry out independent research and is willing to develop writing and publication skills;

can collaborate with partners from academia and industry;

exhibits a strong passion and possesses outstanding skills in interdisciplinary high-tech, human-centred research in the business domain;

possesses strong communication skills and an excellent command of the English language as well as Dutch/German language due to the nature of the fieldwork.

Our offer

We encourage high responsibility and independence, while collaborating with colleagues, researchers, other university staff and partners. We follow the terms of employment by the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Universities (CAO). Our offer contains: a fulltime 4-year PhD position with a qualifier in the first year; excellent mentorship in a stimulating research environment with excellent facilities; and a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School. It also includes:

Gross monthly salary of € 2.770 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.539 in the fourth year;

Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;

29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;

A training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

A green campus with free access to sports facilities and an international scientific community;

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);

A full status as an employee at the UT, including pension, health care benefits and good secondary conditions are part of our collective labour agreement CAO-NU for Dutch universities.

Hybrid work arrangements in correspondence with the research project's requirements

Information and application

Are you interested in being part of our team? Please submit your application before 17th December and include:

A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position;

A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references;

An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

Additional information can be acquired via email from Joschka Hüllmann, [email protected].

About the department

The HBE department is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive working culture. Our aim is that all job applicants are given equal opportunities. When we select candidates for employment, it will be on the basis of their competence and ability. To support the workforce diversity, we are open to offer flexible working conditions on an individual basis to support work-life balance, that may include contract of employment, working hours and location, or child care arrangements.

The High Business Entrepreneurship corporate video can be watched via this link.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social sciences (BMS) aims to play a key role in understanding, jointly developing and evaluating innovations in society. Technological developments are the engine of innovation. As a technical university that puts people first, we tailor them to human needs and behavior and use social engineering to integrate them into society. We also ensure adequate governance at public and private level, and robust, inclusive and fair organizational structures. We do this by developing, sharing and applying high-quality knowledge in Psychology, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communication Sciences, Philosophy, Educational Sciences and Health Sciences. Our research and education in these disciplines revolves around tackling and solving societal challenges. The research programs of BMS are closely linked to the research of the UT institutes Mesa+ Institute for Nanotechnology, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.

As an employer, the Faculty of BMS offers work that matters. We equip you to create new possibilities for yourself and for our society. With us, you will become part of a leading technical university with increasing, positive social impact. We offer an open, inclusive and entrepreneurial atmosphere, in which we encourage you to make healthy choices, for example through our flexible, adaptable benefits.

Want to know more? Hüllmann, J.A. (Joschka)

Assistant Professor

Hüllmann, J.A. (Joschka)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Joschka for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534894871

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Vuuren, H.A. van (Mark)

Personal page

Bondarouk, T. (Tanya)

Personal page

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Our mission We are a university of technology

Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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