PhD position at University of Birmingham on Algorithm Aversion / Human-AI Collaboration
Danae Arroyos Calvera
PhD position at the University of Birmingham on Algorithm Aversion / Human-AI Collaboration
Partnering with Ordnance Survey (OS), Great Britain’s National Mapping Service, the PhD candidate will examine the early implementation of an AI-driven automation in geospatial mapping: how trust in AI systems develops, whether specialists seek to preserve authority in decision-making, and the impact on job satisfaction and productivity, among other questions. This research offers the candidate the chance to address pressing societal questions at the intersection of technology, economics, and human behaviour, with direct impact on industry and policy.
The project will combine qualitative and experimental methods: interviews and focus groups will identify patterns of successful collaboration and areas for improvement; controlled laboratory experiments will test mechanisms to improve human-AI cooperation; and findings will inform OS’s phased rollout of AI systems.
The position is fully funded, and it involves spending time at OS, where the candidate will have a supervisor. The candidate will also be supervised by myself (Danae Arroyos-Calvera), Rebecca McDonald and Holly Birkett at the University of Birmingham.
We are looking for a highly talented and dedicated PhD candidate with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in the field of economics or a closely related discipline. An MSc degree in a relevant area is desirable though not necessary. Previous experience with behavioural and experimental economics, quantitative data analysis, and qualitative research techniques is desirable, although a successful candidate will not necessarily have experience in all these areas and training will be provided. The successful candidate will have excellent written and spoken communication skills, and a keen interest in conducting impactful research. The successful candidate will need to complete the departmental PhD level courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics as part of their enrolment as a PhD candidate in economics.
For details on how to apply, please see here: https://www.centre-ub.org/studentships/application-process/ (deadline: February 17th 5pm UK time).
Address any questions to myself (d.arroyo...@bham.ac.uk) or Rebecca McDonald (r.l.mc...@bham.ac.uk).
Best wishes,
Dr Danae Arroyos-Calvera (she/her)
Associate Professor in Economics
University of Birmingham