PhD Studentship in BAE Systems sponsored iCase studentship: Human-Centred Design for AI Agents in Underwater Maritime Applications

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD studentship to conduct Human Factors/Human-Computer Interaction research in the design of Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents and their integration into human teams within underwater maritime applications. This is a collaborative doctoral training project with BAE Systems and will have the opportunity to undertake a 3-month internship at a BAE Systems site. 

This PhD project recognises the fact that control rooms within future underwater maritime vessels will increasingly utilise sophisticated AI agents that aim to support teams in their working tasks, for example in navigation for the boat. The use of such additional ‘team member/s’ raises a myriad of complex Human Factors issues related to human-computer trust relationships, workload management, decision-making processes, and so on. Specifically, the research will focus on how an AI agent could be designed in this context to be a valued team member – utilising monitoring sensors to assess user state – and exploring the interaction design principles required. One design variable of particular interest will be anthropomorphism, that is, the extent to which the agent utilises human-like qualities (in voice and visual form). 

The applicant appointed will join the Human Factors Research Group, an inter-disciplinary team in the Faculty of Engineering with approximately 60 researchers, academics, and students working on a variety of projects aiming to develop human-centred theories, methods and approaches to tackle contemporary, real world Engineering design challenges.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for PhD research at the University of Nottingham. You will have a 1st class or good 2:1 honours degree and/or an MSc in a relevant subject, such as Human Factors/Ergonomics, Applied Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, UX design, Computer Science. Moreover, you should be able to demonstrate an enquiring and rigorous approach to research, together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. The research may also involve testing of human-AI collaboration and so experience of prototyping and evaluation is also desirable. Good team-working, flexibility and communication skills are all essential skills for the successful candidate.

The PhD position is available from 1st October 2023. The funding is for UK students only. This project will include the payment of tuition fees as well as an enhanced stipend of approximately £18,000 (p.a., tax free) from UKRI plus enhancement from the sponsor company (approx. £6000 p.a., tax free). 

Informal enquiries may be sent to Dr. Cath Harvey ([email protected] ).

If you wish to apply, please send a CV to [email protected] , before the closing date: Sunday 30th April, 2023, outlining your interests in this PhD and how your background is relevant.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.