PhD Position in AI-Assisted Judicial Decision-Making (JUDGEASSIST Project) at Trinity College Dublin Trinity College Dublin in Ireland

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s leading university and ranked 75th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026), offers a PhD position as part of the JUDGEASSIST project, funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant. The JUDGEASSIST programme is a five-year, cross-disciplinary research initiative investigating the design, evaluation, and deployment of AI systems to assist judicial decision-making, with a focus on enhancing the integrity and legitimacy of judicial systems in line with European rule of law values.

This PhD position is embedded within a comprehensive, empirically-driven study that integrates perspectives from law, psychology, and AI development. The research is stakeholder-led, involving judges, litigation practitioners, AI developers, technical standards experts, and the public. The successful candidate will primarily examine the role and impact of AI in judicial decision-making using theories and methods from psychology and related fields. Key research areas include measuring trust, technology acceptance, procedural justice, and human-computer interaction in the context of AI-assisted judicial processes.

The PhD work will contribute to the empirical co-design and testing of principles guiding the development and deployment of AI systems for judicial support. The project aims to ensure that AI tools are developed in ways that uphold the integrity and legitimacy of judicial systems, consistent with European values.

Trinity College Dublin is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities, non-traditional career paths, or international applicants displaced due to war. The university is an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and holds an Athena Swan Silver award, reflecting its ongoing work to advance gender equality. Trinity supports work-life balance and fosters a family-friendly working environment.

Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants should submit an up-to-date CV and transcript of third level degree(s). The application form requires basic information, motivation and suitability statements, and the names and contact details of two academic referees who have agreed in advance to support the application. No specific degree level, GPA, or language test requirements are mentioned.

Application Process: Email Dr Brian Barry ([email protected]) with the subject line 'PhD Social Sciences JUDGEASSIST' and attach your CV and transcript. Complete the application form with your details, motivation, and referee information. Informal queries can be directed to Dr Brian Barry. Use the provided application portal link to submit your application.

Institution: Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

Funding: No explicit funding details are provided in the position description.

Project Duration: Five years (ERC Consolidator Grant)

Application Link: Apply here