Robert Whelan

Fully funded PhD studentship at Dublin City University in AI Evaluation, Decision-Making, and Trustworthy AI as part of the Central Bank of Ireland PhD Programme in AI & Data Science . The project focuses on how Large Language Models (LLMs) make financial recommendations under uncertainty, with research spanning behavioural analysis , adversarial testing , robustness , computational modelling , reinforcement learning , Bayesian modelling , and explainable AI . It is supervised by Dr. Lili Zhang at Dublin City University, with co-supervision from Prof. Tomas Ward (DCU School of Computing) and Prof. Robert Whelan (Trinity College Dublin School of Psychology). This is a 4-year full-time funded PhD. The package includes a tax-free stipend of €25,000 per year , fees covered for four years , research and computational support, and conference travel funding. The project is supported by the Central Bank of Ireland and the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics . Eligible applicants should have or expect to attain before the project start at least a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, statistics, cognitive science, mathematics, psychology, or a related discipline. Strong quantitative and programming skills are desirable, and experience in machine learning, computational modelling, behavioural analysis, or statistical modelling is an advantage. Applicants whose first language is not English must meet Dublin City University English language requirements. The application deadline is 30 June 2026 . To apply, email Dr. Lili Zhang with a single PDF containing a CV, transcripts, and a short statement of purpose, and use the subject line CBI PhD Application followed by your name.