Cambridge Institute for Technology and Humanity

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.

https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/postdoctoral-research-associate-in-digital-minds-fixed-term-go48724