PHD Position Youth Climate
Omschrijving
This PhD project investigates how Generative AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into participatory urban design processes with an intersectional focus on youth. The project introduces and empirically develops an approach called "Vibe-Designing," a co-design methodology in which AI tools act as mediators supporting interactive, visually rich dialogue between young marginalized participants, planners, and policymakers. The research combines theoretical inquiry with empirical fieldwork and practice-based experimentation and will culminate in a PhD thesis composed of four first-authored journal articles plus an introduction and discussion/conclusion chapter.
Functie eisen
- Research Master's or Master's degree (or equivalent) in urban planning, urban design, human geography, urban studies, anthropology, science and technology studies, or a related field.
- Demonstrated proficiency in qualitative research methodology/methods (e.g., ethnography, interviews, focus groups, visual-based methods).
- Demonstrated intrinsic motivation for the research topic.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and cultural sensitivity.
- Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team.
- Advantage: experience or affinity with participatory or co-design processes involving youth or underrepresented groups.
- Advantage: experience with digital tools, visual methods, or other ICT-mediated public engagement formats.
- Advantage: familiarity with critical AI ethics or Technology & Society debates.
- Openness to working with Generative AI tools in a research context (programming or advanced technical AI development skills are not required).
Taken
- Conduct a systematic literature review on AI in participatory planning and design.
- Carry out qualitative and ethnographic fieldwork within urban planning and public participation settings.
- Engage with policymakers, practitioners, AI developers, and community stakeholders.
- Analyze cultural, institutional, and ethical dimensions of AI-mediated participation.
- Design and facilitate co-design workshops where youth engage directly with Generative AI tools.
- Disseminate findings through academic publications, conference presentations, and policy-oriented outputs.
- Contribute to teaching for about 15% of working time.
- Use a multi-method approach including interviews, participant observation, focus groups, and visual-based methods.
Werkomstandigheden
- 232 vacation hours per year (based on a 38-hour workweek); option to work more or fewer hours in exchange for respectively more or fewer free hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Full-time appointment is temporary for four years, conditional on a positive assessment at the end of the first year.
Beschrijving van de organisatie
The University of Groningen is an interdisciplinary European research university fostering collaboration across academia, technology, government, and society. The Faculty of Spatial Sciences focuses on societal issues such as climate, broad prosperity, population decline, healthy ageing, and sustainable energy, and conducts internationally oriented, interdisciplinary research through programmes like TRACE (Transformations, Communities, and Environments).
- Approximately 100 staff and over 100 PhD students.
- Offers two Bachelor's and seven Master's programmes, educating about 1,100 students.
- The faculty aims for an inclusive and safe working climate and collaboration with societal partners.