Student Opportunities

Dr. Ben Zhang, Assistant Professor in the Department of Technology, AI and Society, and Dr. Haotian Zheng, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Welfare at Stony Brook University, are hiring a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) for the 2026–27 academic year to 

support a research project at the intersection of Human-Centered AI and Financial Decision-Making among emerging adults (ages 18–29). This work emphasizes mixed-methods research (in-depth interviews and survey experiments), financial inequality, and the responsible evaluation of AI in young people's everyday financial decisions. 

Dr. Zhang's research is situated in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), social computing, and human-centered AI. He examines how AI-enabled systems are produced, governed, and experienced in critical contexts such as work, health, and finance. Dr. Zheng's research examines wealth inequality, consumer finance, and the institutional mechanisms that stratify access to financial knowledge. The GSRA will be co-mentored across both fields. 

Projects Description 

The GSRA will primarily work on "Emerging Adults, AI, and Financial Decision-Making," a pilot study funded by the Stony Brook University OR&I Seed Grant Program. It investigates how young adults use generative AI for financial guidance and whether they can tell sound advice from flawed advice. The position may also offer opportunities to lead an independent study, publish in top-tier HCI and social welfare venues (e.g., CHI, CSCW, FAccT, AIES, SSWR), and potentially gain hands-on experience with academic grant writing. 

In addition to this primary project, the GSRA may also contribute to literature reviews and follow-on grant proposals that build on this pilot, depending on workload and research interests. 

Position Details 

• Hours: Up to 15 hours per week 
• Pay: $20/hour 
• Term: Academic year 2026–27 (anticipated start in late Fall 2026 or January 2027 continuing through Spring 2027) 
• Location: In-person required at Stony Brook University (the position involves conducting studies with participants in the New York City metropolitan area) 

Responsibilities 

The GSRA will work closely with the PIs; key tasks will include: 

• Conducting literature reviews 
• Assisting with participant recruitment and scheduling 
• Conducting semi-structured interviews and managing interview logistics ● Managing and analyzing qualitative data (e.g., transcript cleaning, open and axial coding in ATLAS.ti)
• Contributing to manuscript writing and grant proposal preparation 
• Participating in regular research meetings 

Your Qualifications 

• Graduate-level coursework or research experience in HCI, Information Science, Computer Science, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology or a related field ● Research experience with qualitative (e.g., interviewing, thematic coding) and/or survey methods 
• Knowledge of human subjects research ethics and IRB procedures 
• Familiarity with generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) and their common failure modes, such as made-up facts and overconfident answers 
• Strong reading and writing skills for engaging academic literature and contributing to manuscripts 
• Ability to work independently, manage research tasks, and communicate clearly and respectfully with participants 

Desirable Qualifications 

• Research experience in HCI, Social computing, responsible AI and design research ● Background or interest in community-based research, financial literacy, or economic inequality 
• Experience conducting research with young adults or communities on sensitive topics such as money, debt, or financial stress 

How to Apply 

Please email the following materials as a single PDF to Dr. Ben Zhang 

(ben.z.zhang@stonybrook.edu) and Dr. Haotian Zheng (haotian.zheng@stonybrook.edu) with the subject line: "GSRA Application – [Your Name]". 

• CV or resume 
• A brief statement of interest (one paragraph, max 300 words) describing your fit for the position, relevant methods experience, and weekly availability 
• 1-3 writing samples (first-author papers preferred but not required; may include unpublished or in-progress work) 

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications submitted by October 15, 2026, are strongly preferred, as hiring and work authorization may take up to three months to process. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. 

Stony Brook University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including first-generation college students.