Fully Funded PhD in Psychological Limits to Algorithmic Sentencing (Law, Psychology, AI) at Charles University

The Faculty of Law at Charles University in Prague is offering a fully funded PhD position within the research project "Psychological Limits to Algorithmic Sentencing," supervised by Assistant Professor Michał Kłusek. This four-year doctoral opportunity focuses on the intersection of law, psychology, and artificial intelligence, specifically investigating the psychological and moral boundaries of delegating legal judgment to AI systems. The project addresses critical questions about justice, authority, and legitimacy as machines increasingly participate in judicial decision-making. Key research questions include how people perceive AI-assisted sentencing, the impact of algorithms on perceptions of fairness and justice, and whether punishment retains its communicative function when mediated by non-human systems. The successful candidate will design and conduct research using experimental methods in moral and legal psychology, with encouragement for both empirical and theoretical approaches. Collaboration with the ERC-funded Centre for the Study of the Criminal Justice System and Criminality is expected, providing a rich interdisciplinary environment. Applicants should have a background in law, criminology, psychology, moral and political philosophy, sociology, economics, or related fields. While prior experience with quantitative methods is advantageous, it is not required, as the program includes methodological training. The working language is English, and relocation to Prague for the duration of the PhD is mandatory. The department offers a collaborative and supportive research environment, with regular feedback and opportunities for co-supervision. Funding includes a base stipend of 20,000 CZK plus a tax-free stipend of 16,000 CZK (without teaching) or 25,000 CZK (with teaching), health insurance, and potential for additional grants and research participation. Project-funded work can begin as early as June 2026, with the official PhD start in October 2026. Additional benefits include a separate desk, computer, travel expenses for at least two conferences per year, and other necessities. The expected outcome is a PhD thesis composed of at least three publishable papers or a monograph. To apply, candidates must submit a CV, sample of written work, motivation letter, one-page research proposal, and contact details for two academic referees to [email protected] by March 20, 2026. The selection process includes an initial review, interviews for shortlisted candidates, and submission of an official application to Charles University. This position is ideal for those interested in the intersection of law, psychology, and technology, and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on justice in the age of artificial intelligence.