We invite applications for a fully-funded 4-year doctoral position on exploring moral emotions through conversational interaction. This transdisciplinary project will take place at the department of Industrial Design and aims to advance our understanding of how humans develop moral emotions over time and how technology can facilitate this developmental process.

The project aims to expand our understanding of how conversations with and through technology can influence our moral emotions by examining the interplay between different emotional states over time. Examining intra-personal, conversational, and temporal dimensions of people's emotional experience has implications for well-being and how technology should (and should not) be designed. First, the focus is on designing and validating a conversational user interface to engage people in personal reflections on moral emotions, e.g., compassion, gratitude, and awe. Second, the designed interface is utilized to explore everyday experiences of moral emotions to capture the nuances of human emotional dynamics. Third, the project looks the longitudinal development of moral emotions through interactions with a conversational agent. This is done via collecting conversational data in real-life contexts to gain insights into how these emotions manifest in people's daily lives.

This work is at the intersection of between moral philosophy, human-computer interaction and industrial design. Candidates should have a master's degree in a related area and demonstrable expertise. Ideally, you have the following qualifications: 

• Completed (or about to complete) a Master's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Linguistics, Psychology, Philosophy, or Software Engineering. Mixed educational degrees are welcome.
• Experience or keen interest in applied ethics and morality.
• Experience in executing empirical research; quantitative and qualitative methods are both welcome.
•  Experience in designing and building systems or agents (broadly considered) as evidenced in a portfolio and/or Github profile.
•  Experience working in diverse teams, with the ability to think across various disciplines.
• The potential to publish academically or a track record of publications in related research areas.
• Good communication skills: Fluency in English (written and verbal) is mandatory. 

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is an internationally top-ranked university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

TU/e is located in a highly tech-driven region in the Netherlands, known as the 'Brainport'. This region is internationally recognized as a top technology area with a special focus on the integration of design and technology. The department of Industrial Design at TU/e is internationally recognized for its scientific research on the design of systems with emerging technologies in a societal context. We excel at the acquisition and execution of projects where 'integration of emerging technology into everyday life' and 'application of technology in a societal context' play a major role.

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager Minha Lee, email M.Lee@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email hrservices.ID@tue.nl. 

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and with a link to your portfolio and/or a Github page.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Reference letters will be requested if the applicant is selected to proceed to the interview stage.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.