PhD Critical AI literacy in STEM education (1.0 FTE) (V25.0350)

Preparing instructors to use AI tools critically, effectively, and ethically is one of the most urgent challenges in education today. As AI becomes more integrated into classrooms, there is a growing need to help instructors develop critical AI literacy, so they can understand both the opportunities and limitations of these tools. It is also essential to support them in creating inclusive learning environments based on pedagogies that promote justice and fairness.

To address this need, the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) is offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD. The selected candidate will design, implement, and evaluate, within the framework of Design-Based Research, a professional development programme that supports STEM instructors in using AI effectively and critically in their daily practice.

As part of this PhD, the candidate will:

• Conduct independent research and write a dissertation within four years.
• Participate in relevant PhD training courses offered by the Graduate School.
• Contribute to teaching activities (0,1 FTE) during the second, third, and fourth years of the appointment.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage actively with the collaborative research environment at the Centre for Learning and Teaching.

Organisation
The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook and a long academic tradition, dating back to 1614. Today, it serves around 34,000 students and employs 6,500 staff members. The university is consistently ranked among the top 100 worldwide and works closely with leading partner universities and networks to promote international collaboration.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the university. It offers high-quality education and research across a wide range of disciplines, from classical fields such as biology and mathematics to interdisciplinary areas like artificial intelligence, pharmacy, and nanoscience.

The PhD position is embedded in the CLT, which aims to improve STEM education at the university by promoting innovative and inclusive teaching practices. The CLT supports lecturers in enhancing their teaching, encourages student engagement and learning, and fosters an inclusive community by using contemporary learning theories, evidence-based practices, and cutting-edge educational innovations. The Centre works closely with other university units and international networks in the field of science education research.

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following profile:

• Holds a Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Education, Science Education, Learning Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Has a strong interest in AI in education, digital learning, and/or professional development in STEM education.
• Demonstrates a solid understanding of educational theories and practices, preferably with some experience in instructional design, teaching, or instructor education.
• Possesses strong communication and academic writing skills in English.
• Is willing to work independently, while also collaborating within an interdisciplinary team at the Centre for Learning and Teaching.
• Is motivated to develop their research skills, present at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Is willing to relocate to Groningen for the duration of the PhD.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• A 4-year, full-time (1.0 FTE) PhD contract.
• A gross monthly salary of € 2,901 in the first year, increasing to a maximum of € 3,707 in the fourth year.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Pension scheme and other benefits.
• Based on a 38-hour work week (full-time), you will receive 232 leave hours. It is possible to choose a 36- or 40-hour work week. If you opt for a 40-hour work week, you will save an additional 96 hours of annual leave.
• Temporary employment for a period of four years. You will first receive temporary employment for the period of one year. After a positive results and development interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years.

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents in English:

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) explaining your interest in the position and how your background aligns with the project.
• A curriculum vitae (CV).
• Academic transcripts and copies of your Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas (including grades).
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Please submit all documents as PDF files through the online application system before the deadline.

You may apply for this position until 14 July 11:59pm / before 15 July 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

Interviews with shortlisted candidates are expected to take place at the end of July 2025.

The expected start date for the position is 1 October 2025.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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