PhD studentship in Human-computer Interaction exploring AI in Film and TV

One fully funded PhD position to work with Dr. Susan Lechelt and Prof. Ewa Luger in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh on a project titled “Scripted Production Futures in the Age of AI”. The project will be supported by an industry partner: BBC R&D.

As AI evolves at an unprecedented speed, it is important to reflect on whether and how AI tools will support, or conflict with, the values embedded in the sectors in which they will be utilised. The 2023 Writers Guild of America strike brought to the fore fears about how AI will impact the scripted production sector – a creative sector comprising film and scripted TV. The aim of this project is to investigate these questions in-depth, in context of scripted production. Through qualitative and participatory design research with scripted production practitioners (e.g., scriptwriters, post-production specialists, among others), the project will inform how future AI systems, supporting aspects of scripted production workflows, can be designed with sensitivity to this sector’s values.

Full details of this project are available here: https://informatics.ed.ac.uk/prospective-postgraduates/fees-and-funding/scholarships-research-students/project-related-phd-studentships/human-computer-interaction-ai-film-tv

The anticipated start date is 01 October 2024.

Candidate’s profile

The candidate must meet the PhD entry requirements stated here:

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&id=491  

The AHRC expects that applicants will hold, or be studying towards, a relevant Master’s qualification or have relevant professional experience to provide evidence of ability to undertake independent research.

We’re keen to hear from applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, including those that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. As such, formal qualifications in technical subjects, social sciences or arts and media are welcome, as well as wider experience in creative practice or research with people. Experience in human-computer interaction, interaction design or creativity studies, prior experience working with digital tools and methods, and the use of qualitative research methods would be of particular benefit.

Studentship and eligibility

The studentship is funded by SGSAH (https://www.sgsah.ac.uk/partners/cda/) and covers:

• Full time PhD tuition fees for 3.5 years.
• A tax-free stipend at UKRI levels for 3.5 years. The rate in 2024/25 will be £19,237.
• A nominal budget of £1750 in total to support conference attendance.

Both Home and International students are welcome to apply.

Application information

Applicants must submit:

• Copies of all degree transcripts and certificates (and certified translations if applicable). This applies to fully completed and in progress degrees.

Applicants must also submit a single pdf document which includes:

• Your full contact details together with the names and contact details of two referees (max 1 page)
• Details of your interest in the studentship and your qualifications for it, and the specific areas of the project you would like to develop (max 2 pages).
• A sample of your writing – this might be an academic essay or another example of writing style and ability.
• A full CV (max 2 page)
• Copies of two academic references, on letter headed paper, signed and dated within the last 12 months.

All required documents should be submitted in one email to pgawards@ed.ac.uk no later than 17:00 GMT on Monday 6^th May.