The Effect of Generative AI on UK Labour Markets PhD Studentship is a fully funded doctoral research opportunity offered at King’s College London (KCL) through the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy, Department of Political Economy. This PhD studentship is currently recruiting and forms part of the LISS DTP CASE PhD Programme in Political Economy Research, in partnership with the UK AI Security Institute as the non-academic CASE partner.
The Generative AI PhD project focuses on understanding how recent advances in generative artificial intelligence particularly tools such as ChatGPT are transforming the UK labour market. Since the public release of ChatGPT in late 2022, access to advanced AI capabilities such as writing, coding, and data analysis has become widely available, reshaping how people work and raising urgent questions about employment, skills, inequality, and entrepreneurship.
Despite widespread public debate about AI-driven job losses and economic disruption, there is still limited empirical evidence on what is actually happening within workplaces. This Generative AI PhD studentship seeks to address this gap by providing rigorous, policy-relevant research that informs the UK government’s approach to education, workforce development, and AI regulation.
About the Research Project: The Effect of Generative AI on UK Labour Markets
The Generative AI PhD project will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the UK economy across four key dimensions that are critical to the country’s future competitiveness and social cohesion.
1. Education and Skills Choices
The project investigates whether students are shifting away from educational fields where AI performs strongly, such as creative writing, data analysis, and legal research. Understanding these changes is essential for anticipating future skills shortages and maintaining the UK’s economic competitiveness.
2. Changing Nature of Work
Rather than focusing solely on job destruction, the research examines how AI is altering the task composition of jobs. By analysing job advertisements before and after the release of ChatGPT, the project aims to identify which skills are becoming more valuable and which are declining in demand.
3. Distributional Effects and Inequality
A central concern of the Generative AI PhD studentship is identifying who benefits and who loses from AI adoption. The research will examine changes in gender and racial pay gaps within AI-affected occupations to understand whether AI narrows or deepens existing inequalities.
4. Entrepreneurship and New Business Creation
The project explores whether AI is encouraging entrepreneurship by lowering barriers to starting new businesses or whether it primarily enables existing firms to operate with fewer workers. This distinction has significant implications for long-term economic growth and labour market policy.
Policy Relevance and Non-Academic Partnership
This PhD studentship is conducted in collaboration with the UK AI Security Institute, ensuring that research findings directly inform government policy. The partnership strengthens the project’s impact by connecting academic research with policymakers responsible for:
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Education and curriculum reform
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Reskilling and workforce training programs
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Economic support and social protection measures
As the UK government continues to develop its approach to AI regulation and workforce policy, this research provides timely, evidence-based insights into the real-world effects of generative AI on labour markets.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
The Generative AI PhD studentship at King’s College London is open to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements of the LISS DTP CASE PhD Programme.
Academic Eligibility
Applicants must be qualified to undertake a PhD in Political Economy Research at King’s College London. Required documentation includes:
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Academic transcripts
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Academic references
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Additional information as stipulated in the CASE project listing
Programme Requirements
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PhD Programme: PhD in Political Economy Research
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Study mode: Full-time
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Studentship structure: 1 + 3.5 years or +3.5 years
Supervisory Team
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Primary Supervisor: Bouke Klein Teeselink
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Co-Supervisor: Elisa Cavatorta
Applicants should be prepared to work closely with both academic supervisors and the non-academic CASE partner.
Programme Details: Duration, Structure, and Start Date
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Institution: King’s College London
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Faculty: Social Science & Public Policy
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Department: Political Economy
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Non-Academic Partner: UK AI Security Institute
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PhD Start Date: 1 October 2026
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Study Mode: Full-time
The studentship follows the LISS DTP CASE structure, combining academic research with policy engagement and non-academic collaboration. The structure allows the PhD researcher to produce academically rigorous work while ensuring practical relevance for public policy.
How to Apply: Application Process
Applications for the Generative AI PhD studentship must be submitted directly to the project supervisors.
Required Documents
Applicants must complete and return the following:
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LISS DTP CASE Application Form
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Academic Transcripts
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References
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Additional documentation as specified in the CASE project listing
Additional Mandatory Requirement
All applicants must also complete the LISS DTP Diversity Monitoring Form (submitted online).
Failure to submit all required documents may result in disqualification.
Important Dates and Deadlines
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Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
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Interview Period: Week commencing 9 February 2026
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PhD Start Date: 1 October 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
The Effect of Generative AI on UK Labour Markets PhD Studentship at King’s College London offers a unique opportunity to conduct policy-relevant doctoral research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, labour economics, education, and inequality. With expert supervision, collaboration with the UK AI Security Institute, and strong links to government policy development, this Generative AI PhD opportunity is ideally suited for candidates interested in understanding and shaping the future of work in the UK.
Applicants seeking a rigorous, impactful PhD focused on one of the most pressing economic challenges of our time are encouraged to apply.
