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- Tasks: Conduct research on AI in education, exploring its impact on grading and feedback.
- Company: Join the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at Cambridge.
- Benefits: Funded PhD with a tax-free stipend, training programme, and placement support.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI research in education and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in psychological research methods and basic statistical analysis required.
- Other info: Flexible study options available; applications open until December 2025.
The predicted salary is between 20780 - 20780 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the ESRC CAM DTP Studentship (Fixed Term) role at Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy
The Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP) offers an interdisciplinary studentship available for admission in October 2026. The funds for this post are available for 3.5 to 4.5 years in the first instance. Applications are invited for full-time or part-time study (minimum 50% of full-time).
Project and Supervisors
The studentship will be co-supervised by Dr Deborah Talmi (Department of Psychology), Dr Alexandru Marcoci (Institute for Technology and Humanity) and Dr Imogen Casebourne (Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI) Innovation Lab).
Project description
As AI transforms higher education, we must empirically investigate how it can complement and extend rather than replace human expertise in assessment and feedback. This PhD will examine AI-supported grading and feedback through systematic research addressing questions about effectiveness, implementation, equity, ethics and educational impact. We invite applications to explore which human–AI collaboration models best maintain quality while improving efficiency, equity, inclusivity, and learning outcomes. The approach should combine qualitative and quantitative methods and may include experimental components considering moderating factors such as discipline, assignment type, student demographics, educator practices, and institutional contexts. Candidates from education, computer science, psychology, human–computer interaction, or cognate fields are welcome, and applicants are encouraged to propose complementary or novel directions that expand the scope of this inquiry.
Qualifications and skills
Required: psychological research methods including both qualitative and quantitative methods, basic statistical analysis skills, proficiency with Office tools (e.g., Excel) and knowledge of educational theory.
Helpful: completed empirical project (e.g., final-year dissertation in psychology), coding, understanding of assessment theory.
Eligibility and terms
The Studentship provides a funded full-time or part-time PhD for 3.5–4.5 years, with a part-time option (minimum 50% of full-time). The start date is October 2026 for both full-time and part-time applicants. International students may apply but may require additional scholarships to fund remainder of fees and any immigration costs.
The Studentship provides
- Tuition fees up to the national UKRI rate for Home students; international students may require additional scholarships to fund the remainder of their fees and any immigration costs.
- An annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 in 2025-26 for full-time students) and a contribution towards research and training costs.
- A personalised training programme to develop research, communication, employability and personal skills.
- Support to carry out a required three-month placement (Innovation Fellowship) with an academic or non-academic partner during the course of the studentship.
Successful candidates will be required to submit their PhD within the duration of the studentship award. Studentships start in October 2026 for both full-time and part-time applicants.
What to do next
You can find out more about the Cambridge ESRC DTP at: https://www.cam-dtp.ac.uk/
You can find out more about the Department of Psychology at https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/; Institute for Technology and Humanity at https://www.ith.cam.ac.uk/; and the Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI) Innovation Lab at https://www.deficambridge.org/.
Please address any questions about this studentship to Dr Deborah Talmi at dt492@cam.ac.uk, Dr Alexandru Marcoci at am3159@cam.ac.uk, or Dr Imogen Casebourne at ic407@cam.ac.uk.
Applications should be made to the Department of Psychology. The course code is BLPC22 (PhD in Psychology). The closing date for applications is 2 December 2025. You will be asked to submit (i) a draft research proposal outlining suitability and interests, (ii) your CV, (iii) copies of academic transcripts, (iv) details of two academic referees. Please quote reference PJ47683 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Seniorities and employment
- Seniority level: Internship
- Employment type: Full-time
Job function and industries
- Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
- Industries: Research
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ESRC CAM DTP Studentship (Fixed Term) employer: Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy
Contact Detail:
Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ESRC CAM DTP Studentship (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current students or alumni from the programme. They can give you insider info on what the supervisors are looking for and how to stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to your research interests. We recommend having a few thoughtful questions ready to ask them too—showing genuine interest goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in your field. It’s a great way to showcase your skills and make connections that could help you land the studentship.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you throughout the process, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
We think you need these skills to ace ESRC CAM DTP Studentship (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal: Your research proposal is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly outlines your interests and how they align with the studentship. We want to see your passion and creativity, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: When you send us your CV, make it relevant to the role. Highlight your skills in psychological research methods and any experience with qualitative and quantitative analysis. We love seeing how your background fits into our vision!
Gather Strong References: Choose referees who know your work well and can speak to your abilities in research and academia. A solid reference can really boost your application, so pick wisely and give them a heads-up!
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Make sure you include all required documents and quote the reference PJ47683 in your application. We appreciate attention to detail, and following instructions shows us you’re serious about this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest developments in AI and education. Familiarise yourself with current research methods, especially qualitative and quantitative approaches, as these will be crucial for your project. Being able to discuss relevant studies or theories will show your passion and preparedness.
✨Tailor Your Proposal
When discussing your draft research proposal, highlight how your ideas align with the supervisors' expertise. Be ready to explain how your background in psychology or related fields can contribute to the project’s goals. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the studentship.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Given the focus on ethics in AI, be prepared to discuss ethical considerations in your research. Think about how you would address issues of equity and inclusivity in your proposed study. This will demonstrate your critical thinking skills and awareness of the broader implications of your work.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves collaboration and possibly presenting findings, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates!
