UCL opens applications for new PhD and research role focused on AI in higher education

Professor Mutlu Cukurova takes to LinkedIn to outline a combined PhD and research post at University College London exploring AI-supported learning in ophthalmology.

Professor Mutlu Cukurova, Professor of Learning and Artificial Intelligence at University College London (UCL), took to LinkedIn to announce a new doctoral opportunity combining a part-time PhD with a 0.5 FTE research assistant post.

UCL, a global top-ten university, is expanding work on AI-supported education through the Institute of Ophthalmology, which conducts research across vision science and applied AI.

The position sits within a wider EC-funded program focused on translational ophthalmology research and involves developing AI-driven tools for higher education, alongside research into how students interact with large language models.

Role combines PhD research with hands-on development work

In his post, Cukurova describes the role as suited to candidates interested in learning analytics, data science, and AI in education. The research centers on building and assessing a large language model (LLM)-based system designed to support higher education students in ophthalmology, including a study of learner interactions with the model.

According to the LinkedIn announcement, “You will be part of a team that develops an LLM-based system to support higher education students in Ophthalmology and you will study students’ interaction with the model.” The work includes computationally modeling productive interactions and identifying strengths and limitations of AI in delivering personalized support.

The project blends technical development and educational research, requiring candidates to apply natural language processing approaches to label student interactions and use analytics methods to interpret them.

Position includes research, system development, and ecosystem-level study

Cukurova notes that beyond technical development, the role will involve interviews, surveys, and classroom experiments to understand how educators implement AI tools responsibly. Findings will contribute to practical guidance for institutions exploring AI adoption, including ethical and operational considerations.

The combined post also includes contributing to a new AI-supported ophthalmology course delivered through an online tutor model. Responsibilities include content organization, supporting the retrieval-augmented generation layer, guardrails development, and assisting with pilot activities across summer schools and training events.

The research assistant component is funded for five years, with the PhD component beginning in February 2026. The post is based in London and does not meet visa sponsorship criteria.

Cukurova states that the team is seeking applicants with strong academic backgrounds in learning analytics, data science, or AI in education who are motivated to contribute to research with real-world impact. The role requires experience with digital tools and basic scripting or coding, as well as strong communication and organizational skills.

The position offers a stipend for the PhD component and salary at Grade 6b for the research assistant role. Applicants must submit a CV, personal statement, and academic qualifications, with the deadline set for 16 December 2025.

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