AI:X is an ambitious initiative at Aalborg University that aims to advance AI research and create real-world impact through interdisciplinary collaboration, and five labs will be initiated in 2025 with a total of 20 PhD stipends. The AI:MIND Lab is part of the AI:X initiative with four PhD stipends and is a collaboration between the Department of Computer Science, The Technical Faculty of IT and Design and the Department of Communication and Psychology, The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The four stipends are open for appointment from 01.08.2025 or soon thereafter.

JOBBESKRIVELSE

We combine research in psychology and human-computer interaction to address mental health issues in young people through conversational AI. Specifically, we seek to strengthen identity through guided and personalized reflection and reduce psychopathological symptoms. Further, we aim to support mental health professionals by identifying identity disturbance markers in these reflective conversations. This innovative approach aims to support early and cost-effective intervention to prevent severe mental health issues.
The lab is looking for candidates for the following four stipends. Stipends 1 and 2 focus on the design, development, and evaluation of conversational AI in the context of mental health and well-being, combining AI expertise with human-centred design principles. Stipends 3 and 4 focus on examining how AI technology influence identity and mental health in young people within daily and long-term timescales and investigate AI’s applied values in clinical contexts.
Stipend 1:User-Centred Evaluation of Conversational AI
This position focuses on the user-centred design of conversational AI, aimed at supporting mental health. The candidate will conduct user research to understand young people’s needs, goals, and experiences related to identity development, as well as the design and evaluation of conversational interactions in lab and real-world contexts. The ideal candidate will have a background in digital design, human-computer interaction, computer science, or psychology. Prior research experience in digital prototype development and/or AI is a plus.

STIPEND 3:“ZOOMING IN AND OUT”– IDENTITY-STRENGTHENING AI

This position focuses on exploring how AI technologies can influence identity and mental health across both daily and long-term timescales in young people. The ideal candidate will have a background in psychology, with experience or interest in ecological momentary assessment and longitudinal research. A strong interest in identity development, personality, and personality pathology is essential. Clinical experience is considered an asset.
Stipend 4:“Zooming Wide”– Applied AI in Mental Health Contexts
This position centres on the applied use of AI in mental health settings. The candidate will investigate how AI can detect markers of identity disturbance and explore the potential for AI to support training of mental health professionals—particularly in responding adaptively to simulated presentations of identity disturbance. A background in psychology is required, with a strong interest in identity, personality, and personality pathology. Some clinical experience is preferred.
Given the interdisciplinary and ambitious nature of the project, we are looking for candidates with excellent collaboration and communication skills.
You may obtain further information concerning the scientific aspects of the stipends for project 1 and 2 from Professor Niels van Berkel, email: nielsvanberkel@cs.aau.dk,Department of Computer Science and for project 3 and 4 from Assistant Professor Majse Lind,email: mlind@ikp.aau.dk, Department of Communication and Psychology.

Please refer the Job description for details