University College London (UCL) is expanding its research into AI-supported education with a new doctoral opportunity announced by Professor Mutlu Cukurova. The position combines a part-time PhD with a 0.5 FTE research assistant role, focusing on the development of AI-driven tools for higher education within the context of ophthalmology. This initiative is part of a broader EC-funded program aimed at translational ophthalmology research.
The program intends to explore how students interact with large language models (LLMs) while building and assessing an LLM-based system tailored for ophthalmology education. Cukurova has positioned the role as ideal for candidates with backgrounds in learning analytics, data science, and artificial intelligence in educational contexts. The research will involve developing tools and assessing their effectiveness in supporting higher education students within the ophthalmology field.
In his LinkedIn announcement, Cukurova stated, “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 focus will also include computational modeling of effective interactions and identifying the advantages and drawbacks of AI in delivering personalized educational support.
Beyond the technical aspects of the role, candidates will engage in qualitative research through interviews, surveys, and classroom experiments. These efforts aim to understand how educators can implement AI tools responsibly, providing insights that will influence practical guidelines for institutions considering AI adoption. Issues such as ethical implications and operational viability are central to this research.
Moreover, the combined PhD and research assistant position includes contributions to a new AI-supported ophthalmology course delivered through an online tutor model. Responsibilities will encompass content organization, supporting the retrieval-augmented generation layer, and developing safeguards for the educational environment. Candidates will also assist with pilot activities during summer schools and training events.
This doctoral position is funded for five years, with the PhD component set to commence in February 2026. The role is based in London and does not qualify for visa sponsorship, which may limit the potential applicant pool. Cukurova emphasized the importance of finding candidates with strong academic credentials and a keen interest in impactful research.
The team is seeking individuals who are familiar with digital tools, possess basic scripting or coding abilities, and can demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. The position offers a stipend for the PhD component and a salary at Grade 6b for the research assistant role, with a deadline for applications set for December 16, 2025.
The initiative represents a significant step in integrating artificial intelligence into educational frameworks, particularly within specialized fields like ophthalmology. As UCL continues to advance its research capabilities, it aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of AI in education while providing valuable insights into the responsible use of technology in academic settings.
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