The University of Salzburg in Austria is inviting applications for a fully funded three-year PhD position in Human-Centered Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The opportunity is designed for candidates interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, responsible AI, data science, and related interdisciplinary fields.
The position is based within the Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces (AIHI) Department and the university’s Doctoral School Plus (DSP) Human-Centered AI: From Data & Algorithms to Interfaces research environment.
Applications must be submitted by 9 September 2026, with employment expected to begin in October 2026.
Opportunity Overview
Host institution: University of Salzburg
Location: Salzburg, Austria
Position: PhD Position – Human-Centered Responsible AI
Research area: Human-Centered AI, Responsible AI, Human-Computer Interaction
Duration: 3 years
Employment: 75% / 30 hours per week
Salary: At least €52,865.40 gross annually on a full-time basis, with potential overpayment based on qualifications and experience
Employment start: October 2026
Application deadline: 9 September 2026
Reference: FB AI/HI / 2026 / 362
Application language: English
About the PhD Project
The doctoral position focuses on Human-Centered Responsible Artificial Intelligence: Interdisciplinary Foundations, Methods, and Human-AI Interaction.
The project aims to investigate how theories, research methodologies, and interaction design approaches from different disciplines can be brought together to better understand, design, and evaluate responsible AI systems.
Research may address areas such as Human-AI Collaboration, Explainable AI, Human-in-the-Loop systems, AI literacy, fairness, transparency, trust, trustworthy AI, responsible AI, and human-centered design.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of conceptual frameworks, conduct empirical research, design interactive AI systems, and disseminate findings through international conferences and peer-reviewed academic journals.
The position is particularly suited to researchers interested in understanding not only how AI systems work technically, but also how people interact with, understand, evaluate, and make decisions with AI.
Responsibilities
The selected PhD researcher will conduct independent doctoral research within the university’s interdisciplinary research programme.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Conducting independent research toward a doctoral dissertation.
- Designing, developing, and evaluating Human-Centered AI systems.
- Conducting qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method empirical research.
- Collaborating with researchers across different scientific disciplines.
- Publishing research findings in leading international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
- Participating in doctoral school activities, workshops, colloquia, retreats, and international summer schools.
- Supporting teaching and supervision activities in accordance with university regulations.
- Contributing to the organization of relevant research events.
- Supporting activities related to third-party research funding.
The position therefore combines doctoral research with opportunities to develop academic, interdisciplinary, teaching, and research communication skills.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should hold, or be able to complete before the start of employment, a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
Eligible backgrounds include:
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Geoinformatics
- Data Science
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
- Software Engineering
- Digital Design
- Other related disciplines with a strong methodological background
Candidates must also satisfy the admission requirements for the relevant doctoral programme at the University of Salzburg.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for graduates whose academic or research interests connect technology with human behavior, interaction, ethics, decision-making, or responsible innovation.
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience in one or more relevant areas will be advantageous.
These include Human-AI Interaction, Human-AI Collaboration, Explainable AI, Responsible AI, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience Research, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Large Language Models, experimental design, qualitative and quantitative research, statistical analysis, and interactive system development.
Programming experience is also desirable, particularly in languages such as Python, JavaScript, or C#, although comparable programming skills may also be considered.
Strong written and spoken English communication skills are expected because the researcher will be required to collaborate internationally and publish academic research.
Funding and Benefits
The University of Salzburg describes the position as a fully funded pre-doctoral position covering three years at 75% employment.
The university states that the full-time equivalent gross salary is at least €52,865.40 per year, with the possibility of a higher salary depending on qualifications and professional experience.
Beyond salary, doctoral researchers can benefit from an interdisciplinary research environment, access to Human-Computer Interaction and AI research laboratories, close academic supervision, international research collaborations, and opportunities to participate in conferences and other academic activities.
The university also highlights benefits including additional pension provisions, commuting support, assistance with the Austrian climate ticket, university sports and language-centre discounts, continuing education, coaching, Erasmus+ staff training opportunities, childcare support, health programmes, and other employee benefits.
Required Application Documents
Applications should be prepared in English and include:
- A cover letter explaining the candidate’s motivation.
- A detailed CV.
- The Master’s thesis or equivalent academic work.
- A publication list, if applicable.
- A brief description of the applicant’s proposed research interests or envisaged research.
- Contact details for up to three academic or professional references.
Applications are welcomed from both current University of Salzburg candidates and applicants from outside the university.
Why This PhD Opportunity Stands Out
The position provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of several rapidly developing fields. Rather than focusing exclusively on AI development, the research programme places people, interaction, trust, transparency, ethics, and responsible technology at the centre of AI research.
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant for graduates who want to pursue careers in AI research, Human-Computer Interaction, responsible technology, UX research, academic research, data science, AI governance, or interdisciplinary technology development.
The University of Salzburg also emphasizes international collaboration and publication-oriented doctoral education, providing a strong environment for candidates seeking to establish an academic research profile.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the University of Salzburg Job Portal.
Apply through the University of Salzburg Job Portal
The application deadline is 9 September 2026, and the expected employment start date is October 2026.
Questions about the position can be directed to Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexander Meschtscherjakov at the Artificial Intelligence and Human Interfaces Department.
Email: alexander.meschtscherjakov@plus.ac.at
Reference: FB AI/HI / 2026 / 362
