Internship | Critical Thinking in Generative AI Usage (internship)

Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research that explores how people think critically in the age of generative AI? Join us as an intern in the TNO program “GRAIL” (Generative Responsible AI League)! We are looking for an intern to develop and validate a robust questionnaire instrument to measure critical thinking in users interacting with generative AI tools. As GenAI systems become increasingly integrated into everyday decision-making, a growing concern is that users blindly accept AI-generated outputs. This lack of scrutiny can lead to misinformation, overreliance, and poor decision quality, amongst other risks. Despite the importance of critical engagement, there is currently no robust, empirical method for assessing how critically users interact with GenAI systems. Having such an instrument can highlight the dangers associated with GenAI usage and pave the way for science-based interventions for more responsible use of GenAI.

In this internship, you will develop a measurement instrument to evaluate users’ critical thinking in GenAI interactions.

Some of your tasks include:

• Conducting a literature review on (measurement instruments for) critical thinking and GenAI.
• Developing and validating new questionnaire items for measuring critical thinking.
• Conducting (pilot) experiments.
• Analyzing experimental data.
• Open to contribute to academic publications or presentations.

You will be working in a small project team with ample freedom to decide upon the exact research activities yourself. The rest of the project team consists of researchers with a variety of scientific backgrounds. They look forward to brainstorming with you on all things related to interaction design, cognitive processes, and the evaluation and governance of GenAI tools!

Start date of the internship is negotiable (somewhere between 01-09-2025 and 01-02-2026)

The ideal candidate for this internship:

• Is pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Human-machine Interaction, (Human-Centered) Artificial Intelligence, or a similar field.
• Has interest in human psychology/behaviour, combined with technical affinity and a strong interest in GenAI.
• Has interest in psychometrics and survey design.
• Has experience with statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, R).
• Has experience with empirical research methods (setting up and conducting experiments).
• Can work with us between 6 and 9 months (with the option to write your master thesis about this project).
• Has a curious nature, works independently and takes initiative in designing their own research project.

This is the ideal, when only a few apply we urge you to consider to apply for this internship. Even if it is only a strong interest in the topic with a willingness to tackle this challenge head-on. Motivation is more important to us than a checklist of skills.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.