At a Glance
- Tasks: Research how AI impacts cognitive and emotional work in healthcare.
- Company: University of Sheffield, a leading research institution.
- Benefits: Tuition fees covered, stipend at UKRI rate, and research training.
- Other info: Join a dynamic interdisciplinary team and develop your research leadership.
- Why this job: Shape the future of healthcare with innovative AI research.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background in relevant fields and research skills.
The predicted salary is between 21805 - 21805 € per year.
Research Context & Problem
Healthcare is entering a new phase of digital transformation, where AI is evolving beyond decision-support tools into increasingly autonomous agentic systems that generate recommendations, prioritise actions, and shape clinical workflows. While these technologies promise gains in efficiency and accuracy, far less is known about how they reconfigure the cognitive and emotional demands of clinical work. This PhD project investigates how collaboration with agentic AI may alter clinician reasoning, cognitive load, emotional regulation, trust, and professional agency, with implications for workforce sustainability and safe, high-quality care. This project focuses on the human consequences of AI adoption in high-stakes environments, examining the cognitive, behavioural and organisational implications of human–AI collaboration.
The Research Opportunity & Development
This interdisciplinary project sits at the intersection of healthcare operations, work psychology, and human–AI collaboration. As the successful candidate, you will:
- Contribute to Theory: Advance research on agentic AI and cognitive work, focusing on decision‑making, cognitive load, emotion regulation, and wellbeing in healthcare.
- Conduct Innovative Research: Develop an empirical research strategy that may include qualitative, experimental, intervention‑based, and statistical approaches.
- Join an Immersive Research Environment: You will be integrated into leading interdisciplinary research communities at Sheffield, including Supply Chain, Operations and Logistics Applied Research Centre (SOLARC) and the Institute of Work Psychology (IWP), within a triple‑accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) research culture.
Supervision & Training
You will be supervised by an interdisciplinary team with expertise spanning healthcare operations, work psychology, and organisational interventions:
- Dr. Emilia Vann Yaroson (SOLARC): Expertise in healthcare operations and digital transformation.
- Dr. Cristian Vasquez (IWP): Expertise in wellbeing interventions, with a particular focus on process evaluation of interventions across individual, group, leader and organisational levels.
- Professor Jeremy Dawson (IWP): Expertise in work psychology, healthcare management, wellbeing, and intervention research across various levels.
As a PhD researcher at Sheffield, you will undertake the Doctoral Development Programme (DDP), a flexible training scheme designed to develop research leadership and professional skills.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking an intellectually curious and motivated candidate with a strong academic background in healthcare management, business analytics, organisational behaviour, psychology, information systems, computer science, or a related field. The ideal applicant will demonstrate:
- Interest in human–AI collaboration, digital transformation, cognitive work, wellbeing in healthcare settings.
- Capacity for rigorous research, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and intervention‑based approaches.
- Strong analytical, communication, and interdisciplinary engagement skills.
Entry Requirements and Application
Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a 1st or 2:1 UK Honours degree and a Masters degree at Merit or above (or equivalent). English language proficiency (IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component, if applicable).
Applicants are required to develop a full research proposal (up to 3,000 words) based on the project brief provided in this advert. The proposal should involve the use of multiple methods. Please submit your application via the University of Sheffield’s online portal. When applying, please select 'Management School' and clearly state the project title: “Agentic AI and Cognitive Work in Healthcare: Reshaping Cognitive and Emotional Work in Clinical Decision Making”.
Informal Enquiries: For further information, please contact Emilia Vann Yaroson (e.v.yaroson@sheffield.ac.uk) or Cristian Vasquez (c.vasquez@sheffield.ac.uk) or Jeremy Dawson (j.f.dawson@sheffield.ac.uk).
3.5 years of tuition fees (incl. international) and stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and a RTSG of £7,250 during the funded period.
PhD Studentship - Agentic AI and Cognitive Work in Healthcare: Reshaping Cognitive and Emotiona[...] in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield offers an exceptional environment for PhD candidates, particularly in the field of healthcare and AI research. With access to leading interdisciplinary research communities and a strong focus on professional development through the Doctoral Development Programme, students are supported in their academic and personal growth. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and engagement, making it an ideal place for those passionate about reshaping cognitive and emotional work in clinical settings.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentship - Agentic AI and Cognitive Work in Healthcare: Reshaping Cognitive and Emotiona[...] in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members in your field. They can provide insider info about the application process and might even give you a heads-up on opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research interests. We recommend simulating the interview environment with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the subject! When discussing your research proposal, make sure to highlight why you're excited about the intersection of AI and healthcare. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your submission stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentship - Agentic AI and Cognitive Work in Healthcare: Reshaping Cognitive and Emotiona[...] in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal:Your research proposal is your chance to shine! Make sure it aligns with the project brief and showcases your understanding of agentic AI and cognitive work in healthcare. Be clear, concise, and innovative in your approach.
Show Off Your Skills:Highlight your academic background and any relevant experience that makes you a great fit for this PhD. We want to see your analytical, communication, and interdisciplinary skills come through in your application!
Follow the Application Process:Make sure to submit your application through the University of Sheffield’s online portal. Don’t forget to select 'Management School' and clearly state the project title to avoid any mix-ups!
Reach Out for Clarifications:If you have any questions or need more info, don’t hesitate to contact Emilia, Cristian, or Jeremy. They’re here to help you navigate the application process and ensure you put your best foot forward!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the research context and problem outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with key concepts like agentic AI, cognitive load, and emotional regulation in healthcare. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and show your genuine interest in the project.
✨Prepare Your Research Proposal
Since you'll need to develop a full research proposal, start drafting ideas that align with the project brief. Think about how you can incorporate various research methods and demonstrate your analytical skills. Being able to discuss your proposal confidently will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Interdisciplinary Engagement
Highlight any experience or knowledge you have in related fields such as healthcare management, psychology, or information systems. Be ready to discuss how these areas intersect with your research interests and how they can contribute to the project’s success.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions for your interviewers about the research environment, supervision, and potential challenges in the project. This shows that you're not only interested in the position but also proactive about your future research journey.
