Fully Funded PhD in AI-powered Virtual Influencers, Marketing, and Psychology

The University of Southern Queensland is recruiting a fully funded PhD student for the ARC Discovery Project titled “Mitigating the Dark Side of AI-powered Virtual Influencers.” This multidisciplinary research opportunity focuses on identifying psychological risks, designing inclusivity cues, and developing ethical guidelines for generative AI-powered influencers. The project runs from 2025 to 2028 and aims to inform industry and policy for healthier online spaces. PhD candidates will join a supportive team of world-leading researchers in digital marketing, consumer psychology, and AI ethics, including Associate Professor Sara Quach (Griffith University), Associate Professor Isaac Cheah (Curtin University), Associate Professor Park Thaichon (University of Southern Queensland), Professor Scott Weaven (Griffith University), and Professor Robert Palmatier (SAMS Institute). The research will deliver integrated outcomes such as identifying psychological risks associated with virtual influencers, evaluating inclusivity cues, and developing industry and policy guidelines for ethical use. Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelor's degree with honours (first or second class division A) or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) with a significant research component. Preferred candidates should have experience in virtual influencers, influencer marketing, and AI technology, with backgrounds in Marketing, Psychology, Media Studies, or related disciplines. Both domestic and international applicants are encouraged to apply. The scholarship is fully funded and includes additional support for international conference attendance and data collection. The application deadline is 5 pm Friday, 27 February 2026. For more information or to submit an expression of interest, email [email protected] and refer to the attached document for the EOI process.