PhD Studentship in Human-Computer Interaction and Critical Computing (Fixed Term) in Cambridge

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3.5 years. A doctoral studentship is available in the Aspirational Computing Lab in the Department of Computer Science and Technology (CST) at the University of Cambridge. The goal of this PhD programme is to launch one "deceptive by design" project that combines the perspectives of human-computer interaction (HCI) and critical computing.

Topics of interest include:

• Persuasion and deception in conversational agents across and beyond text and voice modalities
• Drivers of influence and over trust in conversational agents that are charming and disarming
• Interventions against specific cases of interface deception, digital addiction, and/or overreliance on technology across digital platforms and products
• Other critical computing topics, including all matters of equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I or DEI), accessibility and inclusive design, feminism and intersectionality, trans and gender diversity studies, and misinformation and information deception.

The applicant must propose a specific research question with an accompanying methodology and research plan that demonstrates their interest, knowledge, and ability to think as a researcher within the joint context of HCI and critical computing. In the first half year, the candidate will work closely with Dr. Seaborn and senior researchers to train and gain experience on the research topic and relevant methods. By the second half, the candidate will take on a leading role and begin carrying out the research comprising their doctoral dissertation. The candidate is expected to join other projects, participate in research communication and outreach, and take on other supporting roles. Notably, the candidate can be trained in small group teaching and invited to take on undergraduate supervisions.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Holding a first-class honours degree or equivalent; a Master's-level degree (or other postgraduate work) is highly desirable; these should be relevant to HCI and/or critical computing and the proposed topic
• Solid understanding of HCI fundamentals and user-centred design
• Solid communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and across disciplinary conventions
• Solid understanding of research methods involving human participants, especially experimental design
• Basic understanding of data analysis approaches and tools, including statistics platforms like R and/or methods like thematic analysis
• Familiarity with deception within the context of computing and HCI
• Relevant publications, industrial output, or portfolio items, including open-source projects
• Practical skills in at least two of (a) programming and/or machine learning, (b) interaction design, and/or (c) research design

Applicants must contact Dr. Seaborn (katie.seaborn@cst.cam.ac.uk) in advance to assess topic and background fit. In doing so, applicants must show evidence of engagement with this advert, Dr. Seaborn's research, and familiarization with the lab website. Further information on the PhD in Computer Science programme can be found on the "PhD in Computer Science" webpage.

Application requirements include:

• Academic transcripts
• A CV
• 2 academic references
• A brief outline of your research proposal (like an abstract)
• An outline of your research interests and relevant background
• A motivation statement covering why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area and in Dr. Seaborn's lab specifically
• A ~2-page research proposal
• A ~1-page outline of first year deliverables
• Bibliographic references on a fourth page

An application is only complete when all supporting documents, including the 2 academic references, are submitted. It is your responsibility to ensure that both referees submit their references before the closing date. Applicants are expected to apply for the University Funding Competitions, but, in the event of an unsuccessful funding application, Dr. Seaborn may have the ability to award the successful candidate with a Home Rate Studentship. Note that a successful international student would need to self-fund the difference between the home and international fees.

The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. Please note that applications for the academic year 2027/2028 open mid-September 2026. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.