How are AI chatbots transforming the ways men seek and experience mental health support? In this I-Heal project, you will investigate this question through qualitative research with men living in disadvantaged neighborhoods in Rotterdam. The project examines how AI chatbots become integrated into everyday care and support networks, especially where access to formal or informal support is lacking, delayed, or avoided. It combines semi-structured interviews with creative mapping workshops to understand the interaction between AI and relationships with family, friends, community organizations, and healthcare services.

The Role

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator to:

• Recruit men who use AI chatbots for mental health support through social media, community organizations, mental health services, and local networks.
• Conduct semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences of mental health support, their use of AI chatbots, and engagement with other care sources.
• Contribute to the preparation and delivery of two creative mapping workshops in Rotterdam.
• Transcribe and analyze qualitative interview and workshop data.
• Contribute to research outputs, including a policy-oriented report and academic publication.
• Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and project partners.

The research involves sensitive discussions about mental health and distress. You will receive training and close supervision in conducting research using a trauma-informed approach. Clear safeguarding procedures will be in place, and you will not be expected to provide mental health support to participants.

This is an opportunity to gain substantial experience in qualitative and participatory research while contributing to an emerging research agenda at the intersection of AI, mental health, gender, care, and urban inequality. The role is ideal for someone who has recently completed a master’s or research master’s and is seeking academic research experience.

Requirements

You have:

• A master’s degree in human geography, sociology, social sciences, gender studies, or a related discipline.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, preferably including semi-structured interviews.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build rapport with research participants.
• The ability to work sensitively and professionally when discussing potentially distressing or personal experiences.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Dutch.

Nice to Have

It would be an advantage if you have:

• Experience working with sensitive or potentially distressing research topics.
• Experience with participatory, creative, or visual research methods.
• An interest in AI, mental health, gender, care, inequality, and/or urban research.
• Knowledge of Rotterdam or experience working with community organizations.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis.

What We Offer

• A position of 0.75 FTE for 8 months.
• A gross monthly salary between €3,537 and €4,051 for full-time employment (salary scale 8.0 - 8.3 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers various schemes for employees, including arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model, encouraging you to invest in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About Us

A better future for everyone motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes, focusing on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Utrecht University’s Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth, from its core to its surface, including human spatial and material utilization of the Earth, always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the faculty is a strong and challenging organization. The Faculty of Geosciences is organized into four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

More Information

For more information, please contact Dr. Carl Bonner-Thompson at c.a.bonner-thompson@uu.nl.

Apply Now

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives, and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability, and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace, the application process, or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page.

Knowledge security screening may be part of the selection procedures for academic staff to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

Interviews are expected to take place in mid-October, and the role is expected to begin in January-March 2027. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.