How LLM and Agentic LLM Interfere With Cognitive Process // How LLM and Agentic LLM Interfere With Cognitive Process

The subject is only described in English. B2/C1 level of English is mandatory to apply.

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized AI in recent years, and the recent development of agentic LLM has even accelerated this trend, with tools like ChatGPT and Claude assisting humans in
complex tasks. However, the interaction between these models and psychological processes remains largely unexplored. Specifically,
do LLMs influence the quality of human cognitive processes such as judgment or decision-making?

This Ph.D. thesis aims to investigate the impact of LLMs and agentic LLMs on psychological (social or cognitive) processes, with a focus on decision-making, judgment, and potential
biases introduced by AI-driven tools. For instance, research questions could include how LLM-generated reasoning affects users' confidence, whether agentic systems, which act autonomously and use tools on the user's behalf, introduce distinct patterns of overreliance, or how delegation to an AI agent reshapes the decision-making process itself.
The research will be at the intersection of computer science, AI, and experimental psychology,
incorporating experimental methods to test hypotheses about how LLMs interact with human psychological processes.

The candidate will work closely with experimental psychologists to conduct these studies.
The Ph.D. candidate should have a strong background in computer science and AI and be motivated to learn about social and socio-cognitive psychology
and experimental design. Prior exposure to cognitive science or experimental methods would be appreciated but is not required.

Note on the Ph.D. Journey: While the broad theme and direction of the research are outlined here, the specifics of the project will evolve
during the course of the Ph.D. thesis, shaped by ongoing discoveries and collaboration with the supervisors. Flexibility and adaptability will
be key components of this research.
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The subject is only described in English. B2/C1 level of English is mandatory to apply.

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized AI in recent years, and the recent development of agentic LLM has even accelerated this trend, with tools like ChatGPT and Claude assisting humans in
complex tasks. However, the interaction between these models and psychological processes remains largely unexplored. Specifically,
do LLMs influence the quality of human cognitive processes such as judgment or decision-making?

This Ph.D. thesis aims to investigate the impact of LLMs and agentic LLMs on psychological (social or cognitive) processes, with a focus on decision-making, judgment, and potential
biases introduced by AI-driven tools. For instance, research questions could include how LLM-generated reasoning affects users' confidence, whether agentic systems, which act autonomously and use tools on the user's behalf, introduce distinct patterns of overreliance, or how delegation to an AI agent reshapes the decision-making process itself.
The research will be at the intersection of computer science, AI, and experimental psychology,
incorporating experimental methods to test hypotheses about how LLMs interact with human psychological processes.

The candidate will work closely with experimental psychologists to conduct these studies.
The Ph.D. candidate should have a strong background in computer science and AI and be motivated to learn about social and socio-cognitive psychology
and experimental design. Prior exposure to cognitive science or experimental methods would be appreciated but is not required.

Note on the Ph.D. Journey: While the broad theme and direction of the research are outlined here, the specifics of the project will evolve
during the course of the Ph.D. thesis, shaped by ongoing discoveries and collaboration with the supervisors. Flexibility and adaptability will
be key components of this research.
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Début de la thèse : 01/10/2026

Contrat doctoral EDSTIC-DS4H

Université Côte d'Azur

84 STIC - Sciences et Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication

The profile is only described in English. B2/C1 level of English is mandatory to apply. The candidate must hold a Master or equivalent degree when starting the PhD. The candidate required skills are: - C1 level in English (possibly B2 close to reach C1) - Excellent programming and systems skills. We will work in a Linux environment with python and with its data science libraries (numpy, pandas, polars, seaborn, scikit-learn, statmodels). We also use Git. If the candidate is not fluent in Python, they must be *fluent* in another language and able to learn Python fast. - Excellent communication skills. An important part of the Ph.D. is to communicate on the results. The candidate must be ready to write high quality papers and give stunning talks. These skills will be nurtured during the Ph.D. thesis. - Curious, highly motivated, hard worker, autonomous, perfectionist. A good sign you have a profile to make an excellent Ph.D. thesis is when you cannot stand to do not understand something and can work hard to get it (or make your stuff work). Before deciding to make a Ph.D. thesis, you must read references in this page to be sure you made the right decision http://www-sop.inria.fr/members/Arnaud.Legout/phdstudents.html If you apply, I expect that you will directly get in touch with me very early in the process (arnaud.legout@inria.fr) to discuss if you are a good fit for the subject and I am a good fit as a supervisor. Discussing early with a potential supervisor about the subject and the supervision style (even if you are not sure to apply) is a sign of maturity and will be highly appreciated.
The profile is only described in English. B2/C1 level of English is mandatory to apply. The candidate must hold a Master or equivalent degree when starting the PhD. The candidate required skills are: - C1 level in English (possibly B2 close to reach C1) - Excellent programming and systems skills. We will work in a Linux environment with python and with its data science libraries (numpy, pandas, polars, seaborn, scikit-learn, statmodels). We also use Git. If the candidate is not fluent in Python, they must be *fluent* in another language and able to learn Python fast. - Excellent communication skills. An important part of the Ph.D. is to communicate on the results. The candidate must be ready to write high quality papers and give stunning talks. These skills will be nurtured during the Ph.D. thesis. - Curious, highly motivated, hard worker, autonomous, perfectionist. A good sign you have a profile to make an excellent Ph.D. thesis is when you cannot stand to do not understand something and can work hard to get it (or make your stuff work). Before deciding to make a Ph.D. thesis, you must read references in this page to be sure you made the right decision http://www-sop.inria.fr/members/Arnaud.Legout/phdstudents.html If you apply, I expect that you will directly get in touch with me very early in the process (arnaud.legout@inria.fr) to discuss if you are a good fit for the subject and I am a good fit as a supervisor. Discussing early with a potential supervisor about the subject and the supervision style (even if you are not sure to apply) is a sign of maturity and will be highly appreciated.