PhD Candidate in Psychology of Artificial Intelligence

PhD Candidate in Psychology of Artificial Intelligence

NTNU, Norway's largest technical university, is seeking a motivated PhD Candidate to join a groundbreaking research project on the psychology of artificial intelligence. This position is part of the Norwegian Centre on AI for Decisions (aiD), an interdisciplinary initiative focused on advancing AI for decision-making in critical sectors of society.

About the position

As a PhD Candidate, you will work toward obtaining a doctorate while gaining valuable experience in research and higher education. Your immediate leader will be the head of the academic unit, and you will be part of the research group for Citizens, Environment and Safety at the Department of Psychology.

About the project

The research will focus on understanding the mechanisms that drive trust or distrust in communication generated by Large Language Models (LLMs). Key research questions include whether trust in LLM communication follows the same principles as in human-to-human conversation, and how trust impacts decision-making. The project will be conducted primarily through quantitative, experimental methods and will involve collaboration with professional partners from the aiD research center.

Duties of the position

• Complete the doctoral education until obtaining a doctorate
• Carry out high-quality research within the project framework
• Contribute to academic publications and popular science dissemination
• Participate in the research group and the aiD research center
• Engage in international activities such as conferences and research stays
• Network with partners in the aiD research center

Requirements

• A relevant Master's degree in psychology or equivalent
• Strong academic background with a B or better average from your Master's degree
• Eligibility for admission to the faculty's Doctoral Programme
• Good oral and written presentation skills in English
• Documented skills in experimental design and quantitative analyses

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with research on psychological drivers of trust in human-machine interaction
• Experience with empirical field work
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams
• Good oral and written presentation skills in Norwegian or Scandinavian languages

Personal characteristics

To succeed in a PhD program, it is important to:

• Work independently and in a structured way
• Set goals and make plans to achieve them
• Present and discuss research with professionals
• Contribute constructively to feedback from professionals
• Work under pressure or in the face of adversity
• Show curiosity and strong motivation for the subject
• Analyze data and draw well-founded conclusions
• Be flexible and open to adjusting project plans
• Work effectively in a team with diverse backgrounds

We offer

• An exciting job with an important mission in society
• Developing tasks in a strong and international professional environment
• Career guidance and follow-up during the PhD period
• An open and inclusive working environment
• Working capital to implement the project
• A mentor program for new employees
• Favorable terms as a member of the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
• Free Norwegian language training at a basic level (A2)

Contact

• Christian A. Klöckner, Professor, christian.klockner@ntnu.no
• Ina Grønbech Halvorsen, HR advisor, Ina.g.Halvorsen@ntnu.no