The section Communication Science of the Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour (HIB)-department has a mission to empower humans and organizations in our high-tech digital society. Scholars in the department focus on research and education that connects people through technology and people with technology in order to bring forth a resilient, sustainable and inclusive society. Are you a scholar who wants to play to the strengths of artificial intelligence? Although AI has been around for a while, there is a lack of research attention for how interactions between AI and users should be conceptualized and designed in order to support people when dealing with AI. We are seeking a scholar that considers key issues such as the understanding, reliability and transparency of AI-user communication, including values such as inclusiveness (e.g. required digital skills, how to ensure everybody benefits), autonomy (i.e., how to give people a voice in AI-based decision making), privacy or expert knowledge. These and related challenges take center stage in the emerging field of XAI (Explainable Artificial Intelligence). If you would like to contribute and shape developments in this field and better understand under what conditions XAI actually supports people, you might consider applying for becoming part of the only communication science group that really studies and teaches communication in the context of our high-tech digital global society.

Your challenge

You will be teaching in the top ranked bachelor's and master's programmes of Communication Science. For instance, in the bachelor's programme you will contribute to modules in the 'digital society' track; in the master's programme you will teach and design a course closely related to your research expertise. All teaching will be in English. We encourage you to develop a productive and viable research line and play an active role in the acquisition of research funding. You will contribute to our interdisciplinary research domains of resilience, emerging technologies and societal transformations, or health in the Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social sciences (BMS).

You have a strong interest and shown ability to collaborate in an academic, multidisciplinary environment and to achieve societal impact. In addition you have strong affinity with AI and its implications for society. A successful candidate will also demonstrate her or his intrinsic motivation and strong abilities for teaching, both lecturing and tutoring, designing and coordinating courses. Furthermore, we encourage you to apply if:

• you have a PhD degree in a field related to our digital society (e.g., communication science, human media interaction, psychology, sociology).
• you have a passion for teaching and the ambition to become a creative teacher.
• you have strong abilities for high-quality, interpretive research in organizational contexts.
• your research interest covers areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, big data, and human centered design of technology.
• you have ability and ambition to work closely with external stakeholders.
• you have ability and ambition to obtain external research grants.
• you are effective in acquiring external funding.
• you have excellent communication skills and are a team player.
• you are fluent in English. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn Dutch is an advantage.
• you have a University Teaching Qualification (Dutch: BKO) or equivalent, or are willing to acquire one within three years.

We offer a fulltime structural position, starting with a temporary appointment with the prospect of a permanent position after a positive evaluation. Our terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labor Agreement for Universities (CAO). Depending on experience and qualifications, the gross monthly salary on a full-time basis ranges between € 3.974,- (scale 11) to € 6.181,- (scale 12) (the 30% tax ruling might be applicable). Additionally, the University of Twente offers attractive employment conditions such as:

• an 8,3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday allowance;
• an attractive solid pension scheme;
• a minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A fulltime employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;
• possibilities to save up holidays for sabbatical leave;
• we are a family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners;
• professional and personal development programs;
• finally, you will work in a lively, inspiring and dynamic working environment in an organization focusing on internationalization, where you will have a high degree of responsibility and independence.

Many of the major societal challenges of our current and future world - such as transitions in health care, building capacity for resilience and risk-management, creating inclusive and sustainable, safe communities-warrant a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to technological innovations. The department Technology, Human and Institutional Behaviour (HIB) at the University of Twente (The Netherlands) comprises expertise in psychology, communication science and public administration and aims to integrate individual, (inter)organizational, institutional, and societal perspectives on technologies of behaviour change. In addition, innovative technologies are increasingly used to understand human behaviour in our rapidly digitalizing world. The HIB-department is committed to designing, evaluating, implementing and teaching about comprehensive technology-based solutions supporting people in behaviour that promotes their health, safety, resilience, connectedness and joy.

More information about the department HIB can be found on the following website:

https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/organisation/departments-institutes-new/department-hib/

The section of Communication Science

More information about the departmental section Communication Science can be found on the following website: https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/cs/