The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are looking for a:
PhD Candidate in Emotionally and Socially Aware Natural Language Processing (1.0fte)
Project description
Current Natural Language Processing (NLP) systems, and especially large language models (LLMs), are interacting with human emotions more readily than earlier AI systems, but we still lack frameworks to understand and shape these interactions. These systems often reproduce and even enlarge social biases, generate toxic context, or do not respond safely to emotional cues. This is because language, in the training of these systems, is treated mainly as data rather than as a social practice shaped by people, culture, and context.
This PhD project investigates how to make NLP systems emotionally and socially aware. The goal is to move beyond accuracy by understanding how people engage with these systems and creating models that respond safely to emotional cues, respect cultural variation, and adapt to human interaction. This requires rethinking both what we measure and how we design models. The PhD candidate will:
- Create datasets and benchmarks that capture emotional cues, conversational norms, and cultural variation beyond English;
- Run user studies to understand how people perceive and collaborate with conversational AI, paying attention to trust, cultural sensitivity, and affective interaction;
- Design methods and metrics to evaluate bias, fairness, inclusivity, safety, and emotional responsiveness;
- Explore applications such as conversational agents, mental well-being, and education, where emotion safety is crucial;
- Design interventions to reduce bias and improve fairness and safety in human-AI interaction.
The research will combine computational modeling (e.g., NLP, machine learning, deep learning) with human-centered research (e.g., user studies, experimental design, qualitative analysis). We are looking not only for technical skills, but also for curiosity about how people experience language technologies emotionally and socially, and how AI shapes these interactions. Background or interest in areas like bias and fairness, emotion and affective interaction, or user-centered evaluation will be a strong advantage.
The successful PhD candidate will be embedded in the Human AI cluster, at the Leiden Institute for Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) at Leiden University, supervised by Dr. Flor Miriam Plaza del Arco, Prof. Suzan Verberne and Prof. Joost Broekens. More information about the Human AI cluster can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/computer-science/research/human-ai.
Key responsibilities
- Conduct original and novel research in the field of socially aware and trustworthy NLP;
- Publish and present scientific articles in international conferences (e.g., ACL, EMNLP) and journals;
- Collaborate with colleagues in interdisciplinary settings;
- Assist in relevant teaching and supervision activities at LIACS;
- Write a dissertation.
Selection Criteria
- A MSc degree in Computer Science, Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Linguistics or a related field;
- Strong background in NLP, machine learning, and deep learning.
- Excellent programming skills (preferably in Python), with experience in fine-tuning language models and working with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch);
- Interest in interdisciplinary research (e.g., HCI, computational social science, affective computing);
- Ability to work with a high degree of independence and eagerness to contribute your own ideas, and collaborating within a team;
- Good writing and presentation skills;
- Interested in contributing to educational activities and public engagement;
- Excellent proficiency in English (oral and written).
Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.300 staff and almost 5,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.
The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Institute in the Faculty of Science of Leiden University. We offer courses at the Bachelor and Master of Science level in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, ICT in Business, Media Technology, and Bioinformatics. According to an independent research visitation, we are one of the foremost computer science departments of the Netherlands. We strive for excellence in a caring institute, where excellence, fun, and diversity go hand in hand. We offer a clear and inviting career path to young and talented scientists with the ambition to grow. For more information about LIACS, see https://www.cs.leiden.edu
Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time one-year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 3.059,- to € 3.881,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/graduate-school-of-of-science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
D&I statement
Diversity and inclusion are core values of Leiden University. Leiden University is committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research are inclusive.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Flor Miriam Plaza del Arco, email: f.m.plaza.del.arco@liacs.leidenuniv.nl
If you have any question regarding the procedure, you can send an email to: jobs@liacs.leidenuniv.nl
Applications
Please submit online your application via the blue button in the vacancy. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) (4 pages max.);
- Motivation letter (1 page);
- Grade list and MSc degree (or expected graduation date);
- (Draft of) MSc thesis;
- The names and email addresses of two references who we can contact for recommendation.
- Link to public code repository (e.g., GitHub) or example of written code base.
Only applications received no later than 17-11-2025 can be considered. Applicants may be contacted with requests for additional information and/or exploratory conversations before the closing date.