Digital Life Onderzoeksmedewerker (Researcher)

Location          Amsterdam

Salary             € 3.064,08 to 4.084,93 based on a 40-hour working week

Employment    1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Contract          Temporary appointment for 3 years and 3 months (starting October/November 2026)

Join an ambitious interdisciplinary research programme at the forefront of Human-Centred AI, Digital Health and Rehabilitation Technology. As a junior researcher, you will contribute to the development of next-generation embodied AI systems that support patients in their rehabilitation journey at home.

Where else than at AUAS …

• Contribute to pioneering research on Embodied AI and healthcare innovation with direct societal impact.


• Work closely with patients, healthcare professionals, designers, and AI researchers in real-world living lab environments.


• Combine scientific research, technology development, and co-design in  interdisciplinary research projects.

Here's how you will make a difference
As a junior researcher within the Digital Life Research Group, you will contribute to the design, development and evaluation of Embodied AI Rehabilitation Agents that support patients during rehabilitation and recovery in their everyday lives. These intelligent systems combine sensing technologies, conversational AI and embodied interaction to provide personalized coaching, feedback and support in home-based healthcare settings.

Together with healthcare professionals, patients and technology partners, you will executes research activities, including co-designing innovative rehabilitation technologies, developing interactive prototypes and conducting user-centered evaluations, with the guidance from experienced researchers within the program.Throughout the project, you will contribute to scientific reports, present research findings to academic and professional audiences and help advance knowledge in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Health and Embodied AI.

Your other perks

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.064,08 to 4.084,93 (Hay profile Onderwijs/Onderzoeksmedewerker 4, scale 7 of the higher education collective labour agreement), with a full-time appointment and depends on education and experience.


• An end-of-year bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8% of your gross annual salary.


• The option to extend vacation leave to 428 vacation hours per year


• Entitlement to various types of leave, such as (un)paid parental leave, care leave, adoption and foster care leave and various other arrangements;


• A travel allowance for your commute, an NS-Business Card, your own AUAS bicycle or a tax incentive to purchase your own bicycle. If you are unable to use personal or public transport to travel to work, e.g. because of a disability, we will explore alternate possibilities together.


• Discounts on various facilities, such as books, cultural courses, soft- and hardware and a number of insurances.


• A strong focus on your job satisfaction, work-life balance and vitality. For example, Through Bedrijfsfitness Nederland, you can work out affordably at one of over 4,500 affiliated sports locations. These range from fitness centers to sports clubs offering group classes, outdoor activities, and personal training.


• You can also visit our (career) coaches and use various online tools to benefit your mental health.


• A good pension scheme via the ABP pension fund.


• A monthly internet allowance and a laptop and smartphone on loan.


• Last but not least: a chance to work in a dynamic and pleasant environment with wonderful colleagues. You and your colleagues can also get together outside work, e.g. in one of our communities such as HvAPride, HvA Alumni, HvA United, JongHvA and Fem IT.

Take a look at our employment conditions here and learn more about the tailor-made opportunities we offer

What you bring to the table
At AUAS, no two employees are the same. No matter who you are, you are sure to be a valuable addition to our team. You are an aspiring researcher who combines strong analytical skills with a hands-on approach to designing and developing innovative technologies. You enjoy working across disciplines and are motivated to contribute to both scientific knowledge and societal impact. You take initiative, are eager to learn and develop as an independent researcher and collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

You also possess:

• A Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Industrial Design, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or a closely related field.


• Demonstrated experience executing research activities, such as co-design and evaluation, with a broad range of stakeholders.


• Experience designing and developing interactive prototypes with sensing technologies, tangible and ambient interfaces, or embodied interactive systems.


• Experience working with sensor data, including data collection, processing, or analysis.


• Programming skills and experience in Python, JavaScript or comparable programming languages.


• Excellent written and spoken English, proficiency in Dutch is preferred.

Join our research projects on Embodied AI Rehabilitation Agents

• Upload your CV and motivation letter via the application button no later than 30 July 2026. We will inform you of the outcome of your application before 17th August 2026. The first-round interviews are scheduled for 17th of August 2026, so please keep an eye on your inbox and make sure you are available on that date.


• Would you like to know more about the position before you apply? Bin Yu, Associate Lector, can tell you all about it. Call via 0638347028 or send an email to [email protected].


• For more information about the application procedure, please contact [email protected].


• We apply the AUAS Job Application Code to this vacancy’s recruitment and selection process. No agencies please.

Creating tomorrow at the Faculty of Digital Media and Creative Industries (FDMCI)
The Digital Life Research Group at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences explores innovative and creative technologies involving sensors and digital information for health, wellbeing and participation. People are always at the centre of our research. Our multidisciplinary research teams bring together lecturers, researchers and students who collaborate closely with industry partners, knowledge institutions and professional organisations. Through this approach, Digital Life integrates education, research and knowledge exchange. The Amsterdam region serves as our living laboratory. Rather than conducting research solely within institutional settings, we develop, test, implement and evaluate innovations in real-world environments together with citizens, professionals and organisations. This enables us to create practical, evidence-based solutions that address societal challenges. More information about the Digital Life Research Group can be found at www.digitallife.nu.

The research group is one of seven research groups within the Knowledge Centre of FDMCI. Located in the heart of Amsterdam, FDMCI prepares students for a broad and international professional field. Our activities span media, communication, digital design, ICT and fashion. Through research groups, Centres of Expertise and an extensive international partner network, we work closely with the digital media and creative industries to create tomorrow together.