"PhD Studentship: Algorithm Aversion in Human-AI Collaboration for National Mapping Maintenance"

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner Ordnance Survey to start in October 2026.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workplace processes, raising critical questions about how humans and AI collaborate. This PhD project explores the behavioural economics of human-AI interaction, focusing on trust, autonomy, and motivation when AI augments specialist work rather than replacing it.

Partnering with Ordnance Survey (OS), Great Britain’s National Mapping Service, the research will examine the early implementation of an AI-driven automation in geospatial mapping. OS is integrating AI tools to accelerate map updates and reduce costs, while maintaining human oversight for quality and accuracy. This real-world case provides a unique opportunity to study how trust in AI systems develops, whether specialists seek to preserve authority in decision-making, and the impact on job satisfaction and productivity.

The project combines qualitative and experimental methods: interviews and focus groups will identify patterns of successful collaboration and areas for improvement; controlled laboratory experiments will test mechanisms to improve human-AI cooperation; and findings will inform OS’s phased rollout of AI systems. Results will contribute to best practices for human-in-the-loop systems and provide evidence for government policy.

This research offers candidates the chance to address pressing societal questions at the intersection of technology, economics, and human behaviour, with direct impact on industry and policy.

We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in the field of economics or a closely related discipline. An MSc degree in a relevant area is desirable though not necessary. Previous experience with behavioural and experimental economics, quantitative data analysis, and qualitative research techniques is desirable, although a successful candidate will not necessarily have experience in all these areas and training will be provided. The successful candidate will need to complete the departmental PhD level courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics as part of their enrolment as a PhD candidate in economics. The successful candidate will have excellent written and spoken communication skills, and a keen interest in conducting impactful research.

For details on how to apply, please see here: https://www.centre-ub.org/studentships/application-process/

Interviews for this studentship are expected to take place online on 11th March 2026.

Funding Notes

Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Due to funding stipulations set by UKRI, we are able to recruit up to 30% of international applicants to the cohort each year. You can find further details at https://www.centre-ub.org/studentships/call-for-applicants/