Last application date Aug 15, 2025 00:00
Department CA60 - Information and Communication Technology
Contract Limited duration
Degree Engineering
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
Job description
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
For the research groups WAVES and IDlab we are looking for a m/f/x
Doctoral fellow
YOUR JOB
You conduct doctoral research in the area of Augmenting Learning Environments Using Generative AI and Neuroadaptive Systems, with the aim to obtain a PhD after at most 4 years.
This PhD project focuses on the augmentation of learning environments through generative AI, with the goal of enhancing cognitive efficiency, engagement, and flow in learners. The central aim is to design intelligent systems that dynamically adapt the environment to support optimal learning conditions, based on real-time neurophysiological feedback.
Key principles guiding the research include:
- Cognitive Load Optimization: The environment should foster an optimal cognitive load — enough to challenge without overwhelming. Properly tuned cognitive demand helps reduce distraction and improves focus, while overload leads to inefficiency and cognitive fatigue.
- Novelty and Engagement: Generative AI will be used to introduce a controlled level of novelty in learning content and environmental cues, as novelty is a known driver of curiosity and deeper engagement. However, novelty must be balanced to prevent disorientation.
- Closed-Loop Neuroadaptive System: Because learners may not visibly express confusion or cognitive strain, EEG signals will be used to assess cognitive state, such as workload and attention, in real time. These signals will feed back into the system, enabling adaptive modification of the environment and content — creating a closed-loop learning system.
- Human-Robot Interaction (HRI): The learning environment may include robotic agents that interact with the learner. Here, maintaining engagement and flow is critical. The robot's behavior, appearance, and interaction style will be adapted to the learner’s mental state and task progress.
This interdisciplinary project draws on principles from engineering, cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. It has potential applications in education, training, and cognitive rehabilitation, and contributes to the development of neuroadaptive learning technologies grounded in real-time human feedback.
Job profile
- We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate with a recent Master's degree in engineering and a strong curiosity about the human sciences — especially human learning, environmental influences on learning, artificial intelligence, and human-robot interaction. Preference will be given to applicants who graduated in the top 10% of their cohort.
- Proficiency in software engineering and knowledge of python are a plus.
- You should be a native speaker of English or Dutch, or provide proof of English proficiency.
- To be eligible, all criteria must be met, and your research must begin before October 1st 2025.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Dr. ir Dick Botteldooren (Dick Botteldooren - Google Scholar) and Prof. Dr. ir. Tony Belpaeme (Tony Belpaeme - Google Scholar).
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on September 1st 2025 at the earliest.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
How to apply
Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) including a ranking amongst peers, and a motivation letter to [email protected]. The heading of the email should read “PhD Augmenting Learning Environments”.
The deadline for applying is August 15th 2025. We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dick Botteldooren ([email protected])
