Post-Doctoral Research Associate

We are seeking a highly motivated and hard-working Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the Trust in Moral Machines team at the University of Kent. This role involves conducting cutting-edge research at the intersection of moral psychology and AI ethics, contributing to a major programme of work on how humans understand, evaluate, and trust artificial intelligence (AI) systems that make moral decisions. The post is funded by a ERC/UKRI Grant led by Dr Jim Everett, and offers the opportunity to collaborate with Dr Edmond Awad (University of Exeter) and an international advisory board. The successful candidate will play a key role in several ongoing projects, including a new Citizen Science initiative designed to engage global participants in experimental studies on trust in AI. The research will employ diverse methodologies, including online and in-person experiments, cross-cultural studies, and will require advanced statistical analyses. This is an excellent opportunity for a researcher eager to develop an innovative and impactful programme of interdisciplinary work at the forefront of moral psychology and AI ethics

 As a post-doctoral research Associate you an expect to be involved in : 

• Designing and implementing experimental and survey-based studies, including large-scale cross-cultural investigations and as outlined in the project proposal.
•  Assisting in the development, finalization, and analysis from the project’s “Citizen Science” initiative.
• Conducting robust statistical analyses of complex datasets, using appropriate methods such as forced-choice preference task analyses, multilevel modelling, and advanced regression techniques, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.
• Use and maintain high standards of coding practice for data processing and analysis, preferably using R, including the creation of clear, reproducible analysis scripts and documentation.
• Contributing  to the write-up of research findings for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals and for dissemination at national and international conference 

What will you bring to the role ? 

• A doctorate or equivalent qualification/experience in psychology. Candidates with experiences in other aligned areas will be considered if they can demonstrate sufficient familiarity with psychology and display necessary quantitative skills 
• An excellent record of publications in quality peer reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career
• Familiarity with psychological research literatures on moral psychology, trust/impression formation, and (preferably) AI
• Extensive experience with conducting advanced statistical analyses in R 
• Helping disseminate and share findings to the public in clear and engaging ways

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. 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
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

 better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number SOP-014-25

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