PhD Studentship in Human-Computer Interaction and Critical Computing, University of Cambridge
Job Description
Cambridge’s Department of Computer Science and Technology is offering a 3.5-year PhD studentship in human-computer interaction and critical computing, on deceptive design. Applications close on 2 December 2026.
At a glance
- Post: PhD Studentship in Human-Computer Interaction and Critical Computing
- Where: Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge
- Funding: a fully funded studentship; the advertisement states no stipend figure
- Reference: NR50923
- Apply by: 2 December 2026
Read the official University of Cambridge advertisement before you apply.
About the work
The studentship is in the Aspirational Computing Lab. The goal is to launch one deceptive-by-design project combining the perspectives of human-computer interaction and critical computing.
Topics of interest named in the advertisement include persuasion and deception in conversational agents across and beyond text and voice; the drivers of influence and over-trust in conversational agents that are charming and disarming; and interventions against specific cases of interface deception, digital addiction and overreliance on technology across digital platforms and products. Other critical computing topics are also welcome.
This is a timely subject. Conversational agents are now designed to be likeable, and whether that likeability is itself a form of manipulation is a question with few good answers so far.
What you need
- A strong degree in computer science, psychology, design or a related field
- An interest in both empirical HCI methods and the critical tradition
- Read the official advertisement for the full entry requirements. Funds are available for 3.5 years
Pay
The studentship is advertised as fully funded. The advertisement gives no figure, so confirm the stipend and fee cover with the department before you accept.
How to apply
Apply online through the Cambridge job page. Quote reference NR50923 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Check this first. The University states that it has a responsibility to ensure all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you are applying from outside the UK, read the visa position for this post before you spend time on the application.
Browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in, or search our Find a supervisor page.
Hiring institution: University of Cambridge
Official advertisement: www.jobs.cam.ac.uk
How to prepare for this application
- Bring a position as well as a method. Critical computing expects you to argue about what technology should do.
- Conversational agents are the live case. Over-trust in charming agents is the specific hook named.
- Quote the reference, NR50923. Cambridge asks for it on the form and in every email about the post.
- Check your right to work in the UK. Every Cambridge advert carries this condition, and it is the usual reason an overseas application stalls.
About the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and is one of the world's leading research universities. Its research posts are advertised centrally at jobs.cam.ac.uk, with each department running its own selection.