Supported by the ANITI project (Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute), in collaboration with the IRIT and CLLE laboratories.

PhD for a fully funded position focusing on the development of students’ critical thinking competencies in the context of Generative AI use in higher education.
This project aims to better understand how learners interact with AI tools (such as large language models) and how to support them in using these tools responsibly, reflectively, and effectively.

PhD Topic: “Fostering Critical Thinking in AI-Supported Learning: Strategies, Interfaces and Educational Practices”

Host Institutions:
* IRIT – TALENT Team (https://www.irit.fr/TALENT/site/) – University of Toulouse III (Paul Sabatier)
* CLLE – Language and Cognitive Processes Team (https://clle.univ-tlse2.fr/) – University of Toulouse II (Jean Jaurès)

The PhD will be co-supervised by Mar Pérez-Sanagustín (Associate Professor in Computer Science at IRIT and ANITI Pedagogical Innovation Officer) and Franck Amadieu (Professor of Cognitive Psychology at CLLE).

The doctoral research will involve:
* A systematic literature review on LLM-supported critical thinking and learning regulation
* The co-design and evaluation of educational practices and tools (including SIMBA: https://simba-refact.irit.fr/)
* Experimental studies in authentic higher education contexts
* Contribution to the ANITI Educational Observatory on ethical and responsible AI use in education

Candidate Profile:
We are seeking candidates with a background in Cognitive Psychology, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, or a related field. Applicants should demonstrate:
Familiarity with experimental design and data analysis
Interest in AI and its role in education
Knowledge of cognitive and learning processes
Ability to conduct research independently and collaboratively

Application Deadline: 31st July 2025
Auditions: Planned for September (to be confirmed)

Application Procedure:
Send your application by email to mar.perez-sanagustin@irit.fr including:
CV
Motivation letter
Academic transcripts (Bachelor and Master)
Copy of passport or ID
(Optional) Sample(s) of previous research work

More information: https://aniti.univ-toulouse.fr/