Are you a scientist with a PhD degree in the social, behavioural, or brain sciences or in artificial intelligence? And are you interested in being a driving force in developing research as well as  teaching on the human factor in new technologies? Then you have a part to play as assistant professor. You will work on this interdisciplinary topic on our modern, sustainable campus where you can put your ideas to the test and push your boundaries.

As an assistant professor you will conduct research and teach in a 50-50 division. Under the topic “the human factor in new technologies” we will invest in research on brain-inspired and human-centric AI. What are the computational mechanisms of natural intelligence and how can we use them to develop more intelligent machines? The resulting models and algorithms are of great economic importance as they can lead to more efficient and smarter scientific, industrial, and societal applications. A better understanding of the computational mechanisms of the brain may also provide pathways to better treatment of neurodegenerative and acquired disorders such as dementia and aphasia. Research in human-centric AI will also aim to address other societal problems, for example neurotechnology to restore brain function, the development of more empathic robots, the use of AI to improve education, and automatic recognition of behaviour to support people with disabilities. Research on the human factor in new technologies will also concern the societal impact of AI. We will gain a better understanding of the various effects of the use of technology, such as the effects on productivity and wellbeing of employees (time pressure, feelings of freedom, etc.), the effects of cyber parenting in relation to vulnerable families, and the social effects of the use of algorithms. By mapping out the social impact of new technology and exploring possibilities for adjustment, we can develop a more balanced policy that is not only guided by technical possibilities and limitations, but also, and above all, by the social implications. This topic connects with the research programmes of the Behavioural Science Institute and Donders Centre for Cognition within our Faculty.

You will teach in one of our teaching programmes: psychology, communication science, or artificial intelligence. You will also support students in reflecting on their academic and professional development.

• You have a PhD degree in the social, behavioural, or brain sciences or in AI.
• You are an inspiring lecturer and you have experience in academic teaching in Dutch and English.
• You are actively involved in developments in the didactic field. Experience with innovations in education is an advantage.
• You have experience contributing to research projects, and experience supervising PhD candidates is a plus.
• You have good qualifications in quantitative and/or qualitative research methodology, and experience with different research paradigms.
• You have an affinity for ensuring your research has a broader societal impact.
• You preferably have experience with open science or are willing to follow this approach.
• You are prepared to regularly apply for external funding. Experience with successful grant application is valued.
• You have a proactive attitude, are flexible and development-oriented.
• Organizational and managerial experience is a plus.
• You have excellent communication skills and enjoy team work.
• You hold a basic teaching qualification or are willing to obtain it in the near future.
• You have an excellent command of Dutch (C1/C2) and English (C2) or are willing to obtain these qualifications in the foreseeable future.

Fixed-term contract: It concerns a temporary employment for contract for 1.5 years with the possibility of a permanent contract after positive evaluation.

• Your role is for 0.8 - 1.0 FTE and a temporary position for 1.5 years, with the possibility of a permanent position after positive evaluation.
• The gross monthly salary amounts to a minimum of €3,974 and a maximum of €6,181 based on a 38-hour working week, depending on previous education and number of years of relevant work experience (salary scale 11 or 12).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) is one of Radboud University's seven faculties. It is a large and ambitious faculty with approximately 5,400 students and more than 800 staff members. In the faculty, education and research are valued equally and, are above all, intertwined. Other ambitions in the faculty strategy include: strengthening the Bachelor's/Master's/Post-Master's chain; interdisciplinary work in education and research; an increased focus on sustainability; reducing workload; promoting team science; careful recognition and rewards; a good personnel policy, and promoting a good work and study environment. 

The faculty has three research institutes: Radboud Social Cultural Research (RSCR), the Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), and the Donders Centre for Cognition (DCC). Faculty education is accommodated in the Educational Institute of Social Sciences, which includes programmes in psychology, artificial intelligence, pedagogical sciences and educational science, communication science, sociology, anthropology and developmental sociology, as well as our postgraduate education at the Radboud Center for Social Sciences.

Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!