PhD position on AI technologies for communication skills (1.0 FTE)

We offer a 4-year PhD position on AI technologies for communication skills, partially funded by ClickNL, and in collaboration with DialogueTrainer B.V . The position is within the Software Technology for Learning and Teaching research group of the department of Information and Computing Sciences of Utrecht University, Your main supervisor will be Professor Johan Jeuring from Utrecht University.
Research
DialogueTrainer develops conversation models that are used to learn how to perform particular conversations, such as reviewing performance, delivering bad news, or giving feedback. The conversations are performed in a scenario with a virtual character in a virtual environment (also called DialogueTrainer). At each step the learner gets a choice between several options, and the emotion and response of the virtual character depends on this choice. This response of the character, combined with written feedback and scores, inform players of their choices regarding an objective or strategy.
The conversation models lie at the core of the instructional design in the platform. They are used to develop scenarios, in which a learner takes several steps through a conversation with the virtual character. The conversation models and their implementation in scenarios are necessary components for training professionals, not just for DialogueTrainer, but for many companies offering solutions for training soft skills.
The last two years have seen strong developments in machine learning technologies relevant for communication skills training using applications like DialogueTrainer. First, the availability of large language models such as the model used for ChatGPT and dialogue corpora on particular subjects has a strong impact on all human language related tasks. Second, automatically recognising emotions from voice, facial expressions, posture, distance, direction of gaze, or pauses has improved significantly.
We will apply these developments in this project, the goal of which is twofold. We want to:

• use large language models and dialogue corpora to analyse and improve the quality of dialogue scenarios;
• extend DialogueTrainer such that it facilitates multimodal input and uses it in interventions to practice communication skills.

In the area of AI, the university-wide focus area Human-centered Artificial Intelligence (Human-Centered AI) bundles the various AI-activities undertaken at the departments, institutes, and labs at Utrecht University. In the various AI labs the university collaborates with private partners. As such, you will be embedded in a broad research context of AI researchers.

We are looking for a candidate that meets the following qualifications:

• a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Science or related fields (or graduation within the next months);
• a strong interest in conducting research in the area of AI for training simulations;
• experience with state-of-the art technologies for AI and ML;
• experience in interacting with stakeholders and end-users to understand their requirements;
• an interest in performing experiments with various approaches to using AI in training simulations;
• good communication skills in English, both in writing and speech ;
• demonstrable critical thinking and collaboration skills.

We offer:

• a position for 4 years;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from €2,770 to €3,539 in scale P;
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development , leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow.
For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University .

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Shaping science, sharing tomorrow .
At the Faculty of Science , there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects. Find out more about us on YouTube .
The Department of Information and Computing Sciences is nationally and internationally known for its research in computer science and information science. The Department provides and contributes to the undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Information Science, and Artificial Intelligence and a number of research Master's programmes in these fields. It employs over 200 people, working in four divisions: Interaction, Algorithms, Data Science & Artificial Intelligence and Software. The atmosphere is collegial and informal.
Software Technology for Learning and Teaching is one of the research groups of the Software  division within the department of Information and Computing sciences .
DialogueTrainer B.V. was founded in 2016 as a business venture from Utrecht University. It offers a scalable NextGen Future of Work simulation platform for conversation training. Online simulations provide a safe virtual learning environment to advance core soft skills to engage with clients and customers, and to improve collaboration including (self-) leadership. All simulations are based on validated conversation models and combine immersive learning with measurement. Conversation models are initially developed with experts and then advanced through playthrough analyses and user evaluations. DialogueTrainer has trained 50k professionals in social work, including prison work, probation and child welfare in the Netherlands as well as other countries in Europe and the US. In the US  DialogueTrainer B.V. developed models about Motivational Interviewing with several MI experts which are used in several universities and training organisations including the Administration of Child Services in New York. All simulations center around clear organization objectives to ensure measurable impact and lead to scores which can be used in coaching via a dashboard.

If you have any questions that you’d like us to answer, please contact Professor Johan Jeuring (Chair Software technology for learning and teaching) at [email protected] .
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to [email protected] .

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button.
Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them
#Fundamentalconnection