Human-AI relations with chatbots and griefbots in China, India, Korea

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. 

Under Section 6 Research Details select ‘Yes’ to Are you applying for an advertised project. Insert the project title as stated at the top of the advert. It is recommended when entering the name of the supervisor to enter this and not use the supervisor search function. 

Please indicate in Section 9 Funding Sources your intention to apply for the AI Trust & Security Studentship. 

Please ensure all required supporting documents are included at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. Your application must include the following: 

• A copy of your Bachelor’s academic transcript and certificate.
• A copy of your Master’s academic transcript and certificate. If your Master’s degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
• If you have completed more than one Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, please provide evidence for each.
• An academic CV, summarising your employment history, publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
• Supporting statement of a maximum of 700 words indicating why you would like to undertake this studentship and explaining how your focus, experience, and skills link to the research outlined above.
• Example of a piece of academic writing produced by you of up to 5,000 words (you may consider submitting two shorter pieces if these deal separately with conceptual and empirical analyses). This may be an academic essay or chapter(s) from a dissertation, in which case, an abstract or introduction outlining the context/aims/research questions of the study must also be included. In Section 12, upload the Writing Sample under Research Statement/Proposal and label it clearly as “Writing Sample.”
• You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe;
• A short PhD Proposal is required: you should outline (maximum 1500 words) your proposed topic and fieldsite, and detail any previous experience you have of conducting research in a similar area and/or fieldsite that you consider relevant.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact Dr Jennifer Cearns (jennifer.cearns@manchester.ac.uk).

Formal interviews: Interviews are expected to take place week commencing TBC.

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and are at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. 

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.