Postdoctoral Research Associate In Digital Minds (Fixed Term)

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a research project on the moral psychology of digital minds, led by Dr Lucius Caviola, The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI), with the Institute for Technology and Humanity (ITH) at the University of Cambridge. This full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate position is fixed term for 2 years, starting in May 2026.

The research programme investigates how people perceive and make moral judgments about social AI systems and so-called digital minds. Key research questions include:

How do laypeople perceive AI consciousness? What factors influence whether people attribute moral status to AI systems? How do these perceptions affect moral decision-making and ethical attitudes toward AI? Are there individual or cross-cultural differences? The postdoc will conduct empirical research using experimental methods to advance our understanding of the psychology underlying human responses to digital minds. More information about the project can be found in the Further Information document.

Applicants should have completed (or be near completion of) a PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field, with expertise in moral psychology, social cognition, or related areas. A strong understanding of both the philosophy and psychology of AI consciousness, ethics, and digital minds is required. We require proficiency in quantitative research methods, including advanced statistics and experimental psychology, as well as experience with research tools such as Qualtrics and R. We particularly welcome applicants with published work in academic journals on topics related to perceptions of AI consciousness and moral status.

The postdoc will be based at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI), part of the Institute for Technology and Humanity at the University of Cambridge. There are no teaching duties, though teaching opportunities may arise. The project has funds dedicated to conference travel for the post holder and for workshops.

CFI is a highly interdisciplinary research centre addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Based at the University of Cambridge, the Centre has close links with industry, policymakers, and many academic disciplines.

For information on how to apply, please see the Further Information document, click the 'Apply' button above.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Lucius Caviola on lmoc2@cam.ac.uk. For questions on the application process, please contact the School's HR Team on sahhr@admin.cam.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 22 February 2026. Interviews are planned to take place in March 2026, subject to change.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Please quote reference GO48724 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.

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