Postdoctoral Research Associate In Digital Minds

Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Cambridge seeks a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore moral psychology related to digital minds. Starting in May 2026, this two-year position requires a PhD or nearing completion in Psychology or related fields. Applicants must have expertise in social cognition and moral psychology, along with proficiency in quantitative methods. The role involves conducting empirical research and no teaching duties are required, making it ideal for those keen to engage in innovative research without teaching obligations.

Benefits

Conference travel funding

Interdisciplinary research environment

Qualifications

• Completed or near completion of a PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science or related field.
• Strong understanding of the philosophy and psychology of AI consciousness.
• Published work in academic journals on topics related to perceptions of AI consciousness.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical research using experimental methods.
• Investigate how people perceive and make moral judgments about social AI systems.
• Advance understanding of the psychology underlying human responses to digital minds.

Skills

Moral psychology

Social cognition

Quantitative research methods

Advanced statistics

Experimental psychology

Experience with Qualtrics

Experience with R

Education

PhD in Psychology or Cognitive Science

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate In Digital Minds (Fixed Term)

Location: Cambridge / Closing date: February 22, 2026

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.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Lucius Caviola [e-mail] . For questions on the application process, please contact the School’s HR Team [e-mail] .

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.

Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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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