Job Description

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months


A position is available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (Postdoc) in the forthcoming Aspirational Computing Lab in the Department of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Cambridge. The position will be for 12 months from the 2nd February 2026 in the first instance.


Project research topics must fall under the combined themes of human-computer interaction and critical computing. The lab will be exploring the notion of "deceptive by design" on all fronts: social identity cues in the design of LLM-based chatbots or social robots; trust and reliance on conversational agents designed to be charming and disarming; so-called "dark patterns" and manipulative tactics in the user interfaces of a range of technologies, from e-commerce platforms to free-to-play apps; and the ability of vocal cues to subtly change behaviour. Other critical computing topics that may be difficult to research in certain nations at this time, including all matters of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI), accessibility and inclusive design, feminism and intersectionality, trans and gender diversity studies, and misinformation, will be considered.

Qualifications/Skills

PhD degree in a programme relevant to human-computer interaction and/or critical computing, ideally in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Interaction Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience Solid understanding of human-computer interaction fundamentals and ideally evidence in the form of publications, industrial output, or portfolio items, including open source projects Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds and across disciplinary conventions Familiarity with deception in design within the context of computing Familiarity with research tools and methods, including statistics platforms like R and/or thematic analysis Knowledge of user-centred design and research methods involving human participants Ideally, practical skills in one of (a) programming, (b) machine learning, and/or (c) design

Responsibilities

Developing and conducting novel research projects individually and on teams Developing a personal research programme as a first step towards independence Communicate research and technical material to a diverse group of people at all career stages and potentially the general public Assist in the supervision of research projects and teaching college tutorials Potentially deliver seminars and assist on other research projects Ideally assist in the development of novel platforms for research projects, such as a web-based training system

The ideal candidate will have or soon be awarded a PhD from any relevant discipline with a focus on human-computer interaction and/or critical computing. The candidate must be self-motivated and collaboration-oriented, able to work alone and in a team. The position is multidisciplinary and the candidate must be excited about working in an interdisciplinary area.


Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.


Applicants should contact Visiting Professor Katie Seaborn for further information: katie.seaborn@cst.cam.ac.uk


The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. Professor Seaborn is specifically seeking applicants who identify as diverse and/or cannot safely carry out work on diversity topics in their nation of residence. Professor Seaborn is lead of and a listed supporter on the IDE+A Network: https://the-idea.network


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Please upload your CV and include a brief statement of interest with 1 page extended abstract of the imagined research project. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.


Please quote reference NR46791 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.