Human-AI Interaction and Medical Decision-Making

Job description

Are you passionate about the intersection of decision making psychology, healthcare and artificial intelligence? Do you want to be at the forefront of the evolving field of physician-AI collaboration in the diagnostic process? If so, we invite you to join our team as a PhD student to unravel the best strategies for effective collaboration between physicians and AI-tools. In today's digital age, AI is revolutionizing healthcare. However, the gap between technological innovations in AI and their practical integration into clinical practice remains substantial. This project takes a human-centered perspective, which is critical to address this scientific and practical challenge.

As AI-tools and physicians make distinct types of errors, the optimal approach lies in their collaboration, often referred to as augmented AI. While ongoing efforts are dedicated to enhancing tool quality and building user trust, our project explores the importance of tailoring AI-tools to the expertise of the user and the prevalence of disease. The project is part of two different but complementary research projects one is focused on skin cancer diagnosis, and a second one involves a collaboration with Harvard University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Stanford University on the use of AI in decision making in general practice and the emergency department. 

Your primary task as a PhD student involves conducting scientific research together with your interdisciplinary supervisory team as well as our collaborators at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University. Your tasks will include overseeing the data collection of experimental studies and performing the data analysis. Furthermore you will be able to expand your skills in writing scientific articles, which will culminate into your PhD thesis. In addition to research tasks, you will have the opportunity to enroll in relevant courses that align with both the project requirements and your personal academic interests. 

Lastly, you will participate in distributing the outcomes of the research project by presenting them at both national and international conferences allowing you to build a strong academic profile and professional network.   

Work environment

The available position will be embedded at the Institute of Medical Education Research Rotterdam (iMERR) a center for research and innovation in medical education within Erasmus MC. iMERR is part of the Department of Public Health, which is dedicated to improving population health at local, national, and international levels through excellent research and education. 

Research at iMERR is multidisciplinary and spans a broad range of topics, including assessment, clinical reasoning, clinical skills and artificial intelligence. The institute employs diverse research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, and also makes use of physiological measurements. iMERR offers an engaging research environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, learning from interdisciplinary collaboration, and involvement in related projects.

Qualifications and skills

• Master's degree in cognitive psychology or human factors engineering or a related research master in psychology.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Interest in human-AI collaboration, healthcare and decision making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and preferably also Dutch.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a large multidisciplinary team (including physicians, psychologists, and computer scientists).

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a temporary position for 4 years.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 3.217,- and a maximum of € 4.077,- (based on the OiO scale).
• Partial working from home is possible.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an incompany physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. And there is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work. 

More information

Apply now using the application button. Do you have questions about the position? Feel free to reach out to Laura Zwaan, Associate Professor L.Zwaan@erasmusmc.nl

No agencies please.