At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on human contact and AI's impact on digital inequalities.
- Company: City St George’s, University of London, known for innovative psychology and neuroscience research.
- Benefits: Tax-free stipend of £23,000, full tuition fees, and funding for research and travel.
- Other info: Gain interdisciplinary research experience with opportunities for travel and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a vital project exploring how AI affects human interaction and societal equality.
- Qualifications: First-class degree in relevant fields and strong quantitative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
Closing date: 4 December 2026, 17:00 | Expected start: 1 February 2027 | Duration: 3 years, full-time.
Applications are invited for a three-year PhD studentship, funded by The Leverhulme Trust, in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at City St George’s, University of London. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr Claudia Civai.
Human contact as a costly premium: the consequences of new digital inequalities investigates what happens when human contact becomes a service that only some people can afford. As AI increasingly replaces human staff in high-stakes domains such as healthcare and finance, people on lower incomes may be pushed towards AI-mediated services not by preference, but by cost. Across the UK and Italy, this interdisciplinary project combines large-scale surveys, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and behavioural and physiological measures to investigate whether unequal access to human contact affects people’s satisfaction, sense of agency, and ability to retain important advice.
The successful candidate will play an active role throughout the project. In the first year, they will contribute to a large-scale survey across the UK and Italy, developing skills in experimental design, pre-registration, and advanced statistical modelling. In years two and three, they will work on laboratory studies, leading the collection of fNIRS and behavioural data at research sites in the UK and Italy. Full methodological training and travel expenses will be provided.
The project offers an excellent opportunity to develop interdisciplinary research skills at the intersection of behavioural science, social psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, within collaborations involving London South Bank University and the University of Padua.
Funding and benefits:
- A tax-free annual stipend of £23,000 (UKRI rate), expected to increase annually in line with UKRI rates.
- Full tuition fees at the UK Home rate (£5,750 per year).
- A dedicated budget for research costs, travel (including conferences), and doctoral training.
- Full training in fNIRS and quantitative research methods.
Important: The studentship covers Home tuition fees only. Applicants classified as international/overseas students may apply but must fund the difference between Home and Overseas tuition fees, currently approximately £21,000 per year.
Candidate profile:
Applicants should have a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree and/or a Master’s degree in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Behavioural Economics, Behavioural Science, or a related discipline. Essential requirements include strong English proficiency, experience with human experimental research, good quantitative and statistical skills, and an interest in human-AI interaction, decision-making, and digital inequality. Fluency in Italian is desirable but not essential, as is experience with laboratory research, statistical software (e.g. R), neuroimaging, or psychophysiological methods.
For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Claudia Civai.
PhD Studentship: Human Contact, AI, and the New Digital Inequalities in London employer: City St George's, University of London
City St George’s, University of London is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a commitment to impactful research and a sector-leading salary alongside comprehensive training and development opportunities, employees are empowered to make meaningful contributions in their fields. Located in one of the largest higher education institutions in London, the university offers a vibrant environment where diverse perspectives are valued, ensuring that every team member can thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
City St George's, University of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship: Human Contact, AI, and the New Digital Inequalities in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship: Human Contact, AI, and the New Digital Inequalities in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at City St George's, University of London. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at City St George's, University of London. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at City St George's, University of London
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at City St George's, University of London. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
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In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at City St George's, University of London to drive research projects forward.
