Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Applications are invited for a full-time, fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, jointly affiliated with the Faculty of Philosophy (80%) and the Department of Computer Science (20%). Under the joint supervision of the project co-leads, Dr. Carina Prunkl (Institute for Ethics in AI) and Dr. Jun Zhao (Human Centred Computing), the postholder will contribute to the groundbreaking interdisciplinary research project Children’s Agency in the Age of AI (CHAILD), supported by UKRI. CHAILD (https://chaild.org) is among the first projects funded under the UKRI’s Cross Research Council Responsive Mode.

The post will be based in the Institute for Ethics in AI and collaborate closely with teams from Oxford’s Human Centred Computing group and University College London. This role includes extensive research exchange opportunities among the three groups.

Reporting to Dr. Carina Prunkl and Dr. Jun Zhao, the postholder will lead the development of a framework for children’s agency in the context of AI, as well as contribute to the design and development of AI-based systems to foster children’s agency. This work requires deep conceptual work on autonomy, agency, and education. It equally requires translating insights acquired from philosophical analysis into practical design frameworks and policy recommendations.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Co-I, PI, and other members of the CHAILD research team on the project, as well as independently leading and developing their own body of research in line with the project’s aims.

Successful candidates will hold a doctoral degree in philosophy, science and technology studies, or another related discipline, together with relevant experience in technology ethics and value-sensitive design. They will be expected to provide evidence of an outstanding academic research record, appropriate to their career stage.  Also essential are excellent research skills, and the ability to work independently and without close supervision.

Applications for this post must be made online and should be submitted no later than 12 noon on 27 May 2025.

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