ClaimGuard

Research Associate (f/m/d) for BMFTR-Funded Project about Collaborative Human-AI Fact-Checking to Combat Disinformation (ClaimGuard)
Humboldt University of Berlin | Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences | Department of Computer Science
Full-time | Fixed-term until 31 March 2029
Location: Berlin-Adlershof (in-person position)
Reference: DR/028/26
Application Deadline: 02.03.26 (AoE)
Contact person for questions: thomas.kosch@hu-berlin.de

About the Role

Join ClaimGuard, an interdisciplinary research consortium tackling one of today’s most pressing challenges: misinformation and digital resilience. In this project, you will help develop and evaluate an app that supports citizens in verifying information through dialog-based AI, strengthens media literacy, and can be integrated into real-world fact-checking practices using LLMs. This position offers substantial room for shaping both the technology and the research agenda which is ideal if you are excited about building intelligent interactive systems that have tangible societal impact. The position is located at the Humboldt University of Berlin and will take place with the HCIstudio research group. The position is an in-person position.

Your Responsibilities

  • Conduct research within the ClaimGuard project focused on developing and evaluating an AI-supported app for information verification and media literacy
  • Design, prototype, and evaluate chatbot/LLM-based interactions
  • Plan and run user studies and usability tests, including data analysis and reporting
  • Contribute to system integration and effectiveness evaluations in applied settings
  • Publish research results in leading venues
  • Opportunity to pursue a PhD as part of the position

Your Profile

  • Excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Data Science, or a related field

  • Experience in at least one of the following areas:

    • user-centered design and evaluation
    • NLP / LLMs
    • prototyping / software development
    • prompt engineering

  • Very good English skills (at least C1)

  • Independent, structured, and team-oriented working style

  • Interest and ability in developing intelligent user interfaces

  • Hands-on experience with LLM integration and evaluation (e.g., prompting, tool-augmented workflows, RAG, fine-tuning)

Nice to Have

  • German language skills
  • Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and socially relevant application contexts

What we Offer

  • A varied, research-driven role in an interdisciplinary consortium with strong practical relevance
  • High creative freedom to design and scientifically evaluate human–AI interaction concepts
  • Work on a highly topical area: disinformation, scalable fact-checking, and digital resilience
  • Support and time for publishing and scientific qualification (incl. PhD option)
  • A vibrant research environment at HU Berlin, based in Berlin-Adlershof (in person)

How to Apply

Please submit your application until 02.03.26 (AoE) (March 2nd 2026) and include:

  • cover letter
  • CV
  • relevant certificates/transcripts
  • publications (if applicable)
  • optional project links (e.g., GitHub)

Send your application in one PDF via email quoting DR/030/26 to thomas.kosch@hu-berlin.de. Other recipients or application modalities will not be accepted.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

HU Berlin is committed to equality and diversity. Applications from qualified women are particularly welcome. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified. Applications from people with a migration background are explicitly encouraged. Please submit copies only, as documents will not be returned.

Data protection information regarding the processing of personal data in the application and selection process is available on the website of the Humboldt University of Berlin.