ESRC CAM DTP Studentship

OverviewJoin to apply for the ESRC CAM DTP Studentship (Fixed Term) role at Minderoo Centre for Technology and DemocracyThe Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP) offers an interdisciplinary studentship available for admission in October 2026. The funds for this post are available for 3.5 to 4.5 years in the first instance. Applications are invited for full-time or part-time study (minimum 50% of full-time).Project and SupervisorsThe studentship will be co-supervised by Dr Deborah Talmi (Department of Psychology), Dr Alexandru Marcoci (Institute for Technology and Humanity) and Dr Imogen Casebourne (Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI) Innovation Lab).Project descriptionAs AI transforms higher education, we must empirically investigate how it can complement and extend rather than replace human expertise in assessment and feedback. This PhD will examine AI-supported grading and feedback through systematic research addressing questions about effectiveness, implementation, equity, ethics and educational impact. We invite applications to explore which human–AI collaboration models best maintain quality while improving efficiency, equity, inclusivity, and learning outcomes. The approach should combine qualitative and quantitative methods and may include experimental components considering moderating factors such as discipline, assignment type, student demographics, educator practices, and institutional contexts. Candidates from education, computer science, psychology, human–computer interaction, or cognate fields are welcome, and applicants are encouraged to propose complementary or novel directions that expand the scope of this inquiry.Qualifications and skillsRequired: psychological research methods including both qualitative and quantitative methods, basic statistical analysis skills, proficiency with Office tools (e.g., Excel) and knowledge of educational theory.Helpful: completed empirical project (e.g., final-year dissertation in psychology), coding, understanding of assessment theory.Eligibility and termsThe Studentship provides a funded full-time or part-time PhD for 3.5–4.5 years, with a part-time option (minimum 50% of full-time). The start date is October 2026 for both full-time and part-time applicants. International students may apply but may require additional scholarships to fund remainder of fees and any immigration costs.The Studentship providesTuition fees up to the national UKRI rate for Home students; international students may require additional scholarships to fund the remainder of their fees and any immigration costs.An annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£20,780 in 2025-26 for full-time students) and a contribution towards research and training costs.A personalised training programme to develop research, communication, employability and personal skills.Support to carry out a required three-month placement (Innovation Fellowship) with an academic or non-academic partner during the course of the studentship.Successful candidates will be required to submit their PhD within the duration of the studentship award. Studentships start in October 2026 for both full-time and part-time applicants.What to do nextYou can find out more about the Cambridge ESRC DTP at: https://www.cam-dtp.ac.uk/You can find out more about the Department of Psychology at https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/; Institute for Technology and Humanity at https://www.ith.cam.ac.uk/; and the Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI) Innovation Lab at https://www.deficambridge.org/.Please address any questions about this studentship to Dr Deborah Talmi at dt492@cam.ac.uk, Dr Alexandru Marcoci at am3159@cam.ac.uk, or Dr Imogen Casebourne at ic407@cam.ac.uk.Applications should be made to the Department of Psychology. The course code is BLPC22 (PhD in Psychology). The closing date for applications is 2 December 2025. You will be asked to submit (i) a draft research proposal outlining suitability and interests, (ii) your CV, (iii) copies of academic transcripts, (iv) details of two academic referees. Please quote reference PJ47683 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.Seniorities and employmentSeniority level: InternshipEmployment type: Full-timeJob function and industriesJob function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information TechnologyIndustries: Research #J-18808-Ljbffr