Research Associate for the Project “Human-AI Teaming Therapeutic Companion for Torture Survivors with PTSD” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Informatics

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.11.2026 pending approval of external funding, fixed until 31.10.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-08-18

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

You will contribute to a project developing a generative AI therapeutic companion to provide continuous stabilisation and grounding support for torture survivors with PTSD between therapy sessions. The programme is co-designed with survivors and aims to bridge important gaps in care while maintaining the primacy of human therapeutic relationships. Within this context, your role is to support the ethical, epistemological and methodological foundations of the project and to help ensure that all research and development processes meet the highest standards of AI ethics and research ethics. A key responsibility will be to provide ethical reflection across all stages of the research, including questions of trust, trustworthiness, transparency and responsibility in Human-AI interaction. You will advise on ethical issues arising throughout the project, contribute to interdisciplinary discussion between philosophy, psychology and computer science, and help develop approaches that are appropriate for a highly sensitive, culturally diverse and vulnerable user group.

The role also includes several work-related trips to the project partners in London for workshops and meetings, as well as an one-month research stay in London for intensive joint work, stakeholder engagement and needs assessment.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We are seeking a candidate with a Master degree in philosophy with a strong background in AI ethics and research ethics. The candidate should have experience in interdisciplinary research settings, in particular with computer scientists, neuroscience, and psychotherapy as well as a solid understanding of the ethical and epistemological challenges involved in AI systems, especially in sensitive application domains such as mental health. We are looking for someone with excellent analytical and communicative skills in German and English language. The candidate should be interested and able to work across disciplinary boundaries, both independently and within teams, and exhibit strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Given the research project, we are looking for someone who is willing and capable to engage with the needs of survivors of trauma.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply. Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Judith Simon

Location

Bundesstraße 56b
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

217

Application deadline

2026-08-18

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.