PhD Studentship: Designing Human-AI Teams for Meaningful Human Control of 'Machine-Speed' Operations

Overview

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) is inviting applications for a doctoral studentship in the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham, in association with BAE Systems, starting on 4 January 2027.

The PhD explores how to design human-AI teams when the AI agents work at machine speed, meaning much faster than humans can think and communicate. The research applies to command teams working in uncertain, information-degraded environments, where meaningful human control requires AI that is explainable so people can make sense of, and set constraints on, its recommendations. Questions include how to align human decision-making and situation awareness with machine-speed processing, how humans can keep authority over resulting actions, and how to make sure they understand the recommendations and that the AI is aware of human preferences and experience. The project involves experiments in which human participants interact with AI agents in teams of four to six, all human, all AI or mixed, to see how configuration affects situation awareness, decision making and task performance.

Requirements

The university is looking for a first class or 2:1 degree in cognitive psychology, human factors, ergonomics, human-computer interaction or a related behavioural science. A relevant MSc is desirable but not necessary. Experience of experiments with human participants, particularly on decision making or teams, and of statistical analysis is essential. Familiarity with agentic AI, programming or computational modelling is desirable, with training provided, along with excellent written and verbal communication.

What you get

Centre-UB studentships cover tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training and research activity support grants.

Who can apply

This studentship is open to Home applicants only.

Key dates

The closing date is 26 October 2026, and interviews are expected on 16 November 2026.