Psychology of Unethical Decisions and Public Trust (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (CAM-DTP) offers a funded PhD Studentship starting 1 October 2027 at the University of Cambridge. The project will explore the psychology of unethical decision-making with cross-cultural perspectives and policy relevance.

The successful candidate will develop survey research, conduct randomised trials and analyse longitudinal big data, under joint supervision with Psychology and UK Cabinet Office partners. Applications close 8 December 2026.

Qualifications

• Understanding of survey research, randomised controlled trials and longitudinal studies.
• Ability to work with longitudinal big datasets (e.g., social media data) for collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with languages and governmental accountability frameworks is helpful.

Skills

Survey research

Randomised controlled trials

Longitudinal studies

Big data

Job description

The Cambridge ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership [CAM-DTP] is pleased to offer an knowledge exchange studentship available for admission in October 2027.The studentship will be co-supervised by Dr Jon Roozenbeek (Department of Psychology), Dr Lee de Wit (Department of Psychology) and Moira Nicolson (UK Cabinet Office)Project description: Unethical decision-making is as a major societal problem. For instance, the Grenfell and Hillsborough disasters in the UK were preceded by a chain of decision failures. While there is some literature on how and why people make unethical decisions, why people tolerate or even reward those who do is understudied. This cross-cultural project will explore the psychology of unethical decision-making: what drives it, and how the public perceives it, and its connection to trust in public and private institutions.ESRC Research Priority Areas: Security, risk and resilience, Understanding behaviour. Research skills you must have if applying for this topic:Understanding of survey research, randomised controlled trials, and longitudinal (cohort) studiesAbility to work with longitudinal \"big datasets\", e.g., social media data, both in terms of collection and analysisResearch skills it would be helpful to have if applying for this topic:Knowledge of governmental accountability frameworks (especially in the UK)Knowledge of politics in non-Western contexts (e.g., India, China, Russia)Familiarity with multiple languagesAbout the studentshipAn ESRC-funded PhD studentship through CAM-DTP supports 3.5 - 4.5 years of full-time study. We particularly encourage applications from students wishing to study on a part-time basis (minimum 50% of full-time).The studentship provides:Tuition fees up to the value of the national UKRI rate for Home fees;An annual tax-free stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 in 2026-27 for full time students);Financial support for research training up to £900 available from the Department;A personalised training programme, to develop research, communication, employability and personal skills;Support to carry out a required three-month placement, known as an Innovation Fellowship, with an academic or non-academic partner during the course of the studentship.Successful candidates will be required to submit their PhD within the duration of the studentship award.Studentships will start on 1 October each year for both full-time and part-time applicants.International Students International students receive tuition fees up to the value of the national UKRI rate for Home fees.Students will need additional scholarships, from alternative sources, to fund the remainder of their overseas fees.If an offer of admission is made, students should be aware that they will need to cover the costs of immigration into the UK visa and health surcharge (around £3.5k) before the studentship starts. The award does not cover these costs.Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2031 in the first instance.You can find out more about the Cambridge ESRC DTP at: https://www.cam-dtp.ac.uk/You can find out more about the Department of Psychology at https://www.psychol.cam.ac.uk/Please address any questions about this studentship to Dr Jon Roozenbeek at [e-mail] or Dr Lee de Wit [e-mail] for this studentship should be made to the Department of Psychology. The course code is BLPC22 (PhD in Psychology).https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/how-do-i-applyThe closing date for applications will be 8 December 2026With your application you will be required to submit (i) a draft research proposal outlining your suitability, why you are interested in pursuing a PhD in this area, your background and research interests, familiarity with the questions raised by this research. (ii) your CV (iii) copies of your academic transcripts (iv) details of two academic referees.Please quote reference PJ51443 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.