Fully funded PhD in Human-AI relations

PhD Studentship Opportunity: Anthropological Study of Human-AI Relations

We are excited to announce a fully-funded PhD studentship for an ambitious and innovative scholar to explore the dynamic and evolving relationships between humans and artificial intelligence (AI). This project aims to contribute to a deeper anthropological understanding of how AI is integrated into everyday life and its implications for human connection, identity, and society.

We encourage proposals focusing on non-Anglophone ethnographic fieldsites: proposals with a particular interest in emerging human-AI configurations in regions such as China, Korea, Japan, or India are especially welcome (but not essential).

The study could explore diverse relational contexts, including but not limited to:

• Romantic partnerships with AI companions
• Therapeutic engagements, such as mental health support or caregiving applications
• Friendship or social bonding through AI interlocutors
• Cultural or spiritual interactions with AI entities

Applicants are encouraged to take a grounded ethnographic approach, examining how cultural, social, and historical contexts shape human-AI relationships in their chosen fieldsite. The project might address questions such as:

• How do individuals and communities conceptualize and experience relationships with AI?
• What socio-technical practices and imaginaries frame these interactions?
• How do global and local forces intersect in shaping AI design, use, and reception?

The successful candidate will be based in the Department of Social Anthropology, and join a vibrant academic community with access to excellent mentorship and resources for conducting fieldwork, analysis, and dissemination. They will benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing on anthropology, science and technology studies (STS), and AI ethics.

Eligibility

Desirable criteria

• We welcome applications from candidates with a strong academic background in anthropology or a related disciplines. Proficiency in a relevant regional language is desirable but not essential. Applicants must demonstrate a clear research vision and an interest in contributing to contemporary debates about technology and society.

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s (Honours) degree in Social Anthropology or a cognate subject with an overall average of 2:1 (UK 60%) or above (or overseas equivalent); and/or
• Master’s degree in Social Anthropology or a relevant subject with a minimum of 65% in the dissertation and overall grade, with no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent);
• Normally applicants will hold one or both degrees in Social Anthropology.

English Language

All applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency:

• IELTS test minimum score – 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing, 6.5 in other sections.
• TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score – 100 overall, 25 all sections.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score – 76 overall, 76 in writing, 70 in other sections.
• To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years.
• Other tests may be considered.

Application procedure

The application deadline will be Midnight (GMT) on 03/03/2025. Apply online for PhD Social Anthropology at the University of Manchester.