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—will also be considered. However, the topics must fall under the purview of the Aspirational Computing Lab and be supervisable by Dr. Seaborn.
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. Candidates must be self-motivated, collaboration-oriented, and open to interdisciplinary work and team contexts.
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 (that is a hint). Further information on the PhD in Computer Science programme can be found on the “PhD in Computer Science” webpage.
All applications are made online via the University's Applicant Portal; refer to the https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/cscspdpcs webpage. Please quote the reference NR50923 in the Research Topic field so that your application can be routed directly to Dr. Seaborn.
Applications should include all of the following, without AI assistance:
- Academic transcripts
- A CV
- 2 academic references
In the online form, similarly without AI assistance:
- Research Summary: A brief outline of your research proposal (like an abstract)
- Research Experience: An outline of your research interests and relevant background, notably describing the qualities and experience you will bring to the role; succinct but with sufficient detail to understand what you did, especially in team contexts
- Career Goals: And notably why a PhD would help you with these
- Additional Information to Support Your Application: Please describe circumstances where you faced hindrances or circumstances which mean that you cannot safely carry out work on topics like diversity in your nation of residence
- Course Specific Questions > Core-reasons for applying: A motivation statement covering why you wish to pursue a PhD in this area and in my lab specifically
The research proposal in one PDF that includes:
- A ~2-page research proposal
- A ~1-page outline of first year deliverables (be sure to do your research on the programme)
- 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 quote reference NR50923 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.
Please note that applications for 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.
Please quote reference NR50923 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.