PhD Scholarship in Applications of ID Wallets Radboud University – Nijmegen, Netherlands
Applications are sought from highly motivated and interdisciplinary-oriented candidates for a PhD scholarship in the Applications of ID Wallets. The position is perfect for those who are interested in digital identity, secure technologies, and their implications for society. The appointee will be part of iHub, the university’s interdisciplinary research institute that deals with digitalization and society.
Position Summary
This PhD project investigates the application of ID Wallets—secure, user-owned digital identity software—into practical applications like online signing of contracts, secure social media communication, and e-voting. The project is located in iHub, the Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Digitalisation and Society, and will necessitate cooperation with computer scientists, social scientists, lawyers, ethicists, and designers.
Host Institution University: Radboud University
Department: Faculty of Science, iHub (Interdisciplinary Research Hub on Digitalisation and Society)
Location: Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Start Date: 1 September 2025 (negotiable)
Application Deadline: 24 March 2025
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should fulfill the following criteria:
Educational Background, A completed Master’s degree in:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Industrial Design
- Or a related technical discipline
Technical Skills Front-end programming skills (web development is required)
Knowledge of digital identity systems and enthusiasm for digitalization of society
- Knowledge of or interest in:
- Open-source development
- Open science principles
- Value-driven or participatory design
- Qualitative/user research
Interdisciplinary Skills
Capacity to work across disciplines—technical, human-centered, and societal
Team player: Willingness to work together with professionals from various fields (e.g., law, ethics, history, social sciences)
Communication, Good oral and written English skills (C1 level or equivalent)
Desirable (Not Mandatory)
Experience in:
Participatory design or user-centered research
ID wallet applications or digital ID solutions
Publishing in interdisciplinary/HCI conferences or journals
Interdisciplinary research, especially with a societal orientation
Interest in philosophical or social issues surrounding digital identity and autonomy
Job Details
Type of Contract: Temporary (1.0 FTE, full-time)
Initial Term: 1.5 years
Extension: Up to 2.5 further years subject to positive review (total 4 years)
Salary & Benefits
Gross Monthly Salary:
Year 1: €2,901
Year 4: €3,707
Other Allowances:
8% holiday allowance
8.3% end-of-year bonus
Other Benefits:
30–41 days annual leave (on a full-time basis)
Flexible working hours and hybrid/remote arrangements
Dual Career Support: Partner’s job search support
Access to training and development courses
Attendance at top conferences (e.g., CHI, SOUPS)
34% discount on sports and cultural events at Radboud University
Contributions to open-source software and public discussion of digital identity
Application Process
Applications should be submitted online through the Radboud University career portal no later than 24 March 2025. Apply
Now.
Your application should contain:
A motivation letter to Dr. Hanna Schraffenberger
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Relevant academic transcripts and certificates
Contact details for references (if applicable)
Any portfolio or sample of work pertinent to the role (e.g., web development, research publications)
For full information, see:
Radboud University Careers Page
Contact for Enquiries
Scientific Contact: Dr. Hanna Schraffenberger
