Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Contract Type: Fixed Term - Ends 30/06/2026

The School of Psychology is seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to con­duct research in moral psychology for Dr Jim Everett’s project on the topic of trust in AI. This project – TRUSTAI – draws on psychology and philosophy to explore how and when humans trust AI agents that act as ‘moral machines’.

As a Post-Doctoral Research Associate, you work as a part of the project’s team (at the University of Kent, and Dr Edmond Awad - University of Exter) to explore, 1) the characteristics of AI agents that predict trust; 2) the individual differences that make us more or less likely to trust AI agents; 3) the situations where we are more likely to ‘outsource’ moral decisions to AI agents; and 4) how these findings should be used to design AI agents that warrant our trust.

As a Post-Doctoral Research Associate you will:

• design surveys and experiments and collect data
• contribute to the writing of research papers and outputs addressing the project’s research aims
• analyse data in a transparent and reproducible way using statistical techniques
• contribute to the write up of research work for academic and non-academic audiences
• promote the project to academic audiences, including presenting the research at conferences and workshops

To be successful in this role you will have:

• a doctorate or equivalent qualification/experience in psychology, behavioural economics, or experimental philosophy — or an allied subject (or near to completion)
• an excellent record of publications in quality peer reviewed journals
• familiarity with psychological research literatures on moral psychology, trust/impression formation, and (preferably) AI 
• experience of conducting advanced statistical analyses 
• excellent communication skills

What we can offer in return:

The University of Kent is a distinctive and attractive place to work. As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing throughout your time with us. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• hybrid working options allowing a flexible blend of office and home working (to be agreed in line with business needs)
• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• study while you work discounts, cycle to work scheme, local business discounts
• on site parking

Please see the links below to view the full Job Description and to apply for this post. You may upload your CV and a cover letter, however please ensure you complete the application form and questions fully in addition to this.­ For further information regarding the application process please contact The People Services Team on peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting ref number: HSS-217-24-R.

Further details:   

Please note that we prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and promotes equality at all levels.

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