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The University of Amsterdam is offering a fully funded PhD position in Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Programming Environments within its Faculty of Science. This doctoral opportunity is based in Amsterdam and focuses on designing inclusive, AI-powered tools for software development.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Department: Informatics Institute, Faculty of Science
Overview of the PhD Project
This PhD research project explores how AI-powered Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) can be redesigned to support diverse cognitive styles and inclusive programming practices. As generative AI tools and large language models become embedded in coding workflows, this project examines how accessibility, usability, and social justice considerations can be integrated into technical system design.
The research sits at the intersection of:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Software Engineering
- Developer Tools and IDE Design
- Inclusive and Accessible Computing
The position is embedded in the Digital Interactions Lab (DILAB) at the Informatics Institute and supervised by Dr Siân Brooke.
Research Focus Areas
The doctoral project combines technical system development with participatory and qualitative research methods. The central goal is to design, implement, and evaluate AI-enhanced IDE tools that better support neurodiverse programmers, particularly women in computing.
Key research themes include:
- Human-centered AI system design
- Integration of large language models into developer tools
- Usability and accessibility in programming environments
- Participatory and inclusive design methodologies
- Mixed-methods evaluation of AI-powered systems
Core Responsibilities
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Design and implement IDE plugins and extensions (e.g., for VS Code)
- Develop modular and configurable AI-assisted programming tools
- Integrate generative AI technologies into developer workflows
- Conduct usability studies, focus groups, and co-design workshops
- Perform mixed-method evaluations including A/B testing and task-based studies
- Publish research in international venues such as ACM CHI, ICER, and ICSE
- Maintain research software and open-source repositories
The project unfolds in three phases:
- Identifying usability and technical barriers in existing AI-powered IDEs
- Co-designing inclusive AI-supported interaction concepts
- Implementing and evaluating AI-enhanced programming tools
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field
- Strong software engineering and system design experience
- Experience building plugins, extensions, or modular software systems
- Proficiency in JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, or similar languages
- Experience working with APIs, SDKs, and AI-based systems
- Strong English communication skills
Desirable experience includes:
- Generative AI and large language models
- IDE ecosystems such as VS Code
- Qualitative or mixed-method research
- Accessibility standards and inclusive design
- Open-source software development
Employment Conditions and Benefits
The position offers:
- A 4-year full-time doctoral contract
- Initial 18-month contract with extension upon evaluation
- Monthly gross salary between €3,059 and €3,881
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance
- Teaching opportunities
- Potential eligibility for the Dutch 30% tax ruling
Research Environment
The Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam hosts approximately 8,000 students and 1,800 staff members. The Informatics Institute conducts fundamental and applied research in Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science, Systems Engineering, and Human-Computer Interaction.
The Digital Interactions Lab focuses on socially responsible AI design, bridging technical innovation with sociological and psychological perspectives on technology use.
Why This PhD Matters
This doctoral position contributes to the future of inclusive AI development, addressing how power, cognition, accessibility, and social justice shape programming technologies. It is ideal for candidates who want to combine technical expertise with socially engaged research in Artificial Intelligence and software systems.
This opportunity represents a leading-edge research pathway in Human-Centered AI, Developer Experience (DevEx), and Inclusive Computing Systems within one of Europe’s top research universities.
Apply Now at : PhD Position in Human-Centered AI for Programming Environments | Work at the University of Amsterdam
