Postdoctoral Communication Science AI, Media & Democracy

Do you want to be part of the AI, Media & Democracy Lab? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a profile in communication science.

The AI, Media and Democracy ELSA Lab’s aim is to set up an experimental space and testbed for novel ways of applying AI in the media. Journalists, media professionals, designers, citizens, researchers and public and societal partners bring in their challenges in using AI in the media. The lab investigates how AI-driven applications in the media change the public sphere, civic engagement and economic competition. We develop and test new AI-applications to help solve problems such as disinformation, algorithmic bias and filter bubbles. Together with our partners we also (co)-create new ethical and legal frameworks for responsible uses of AI that align with fundamental rights, public values and the European regulatory framework.

For this position, we are looking for a postdoc to investigate how the introduction of (generative AI is changing the relationship between media, users & AI and the effects for democratic engagement. How can AI-driven applications be designed in a way to earn trust and acceptance, solve problems such as disinformation, but also how AI-driven applications can create new user experiences.

What are you going to do

Tasks include

• Develop, conduct, and publish research on media and AI and present on (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the public debate and organise activities as part of AIMD and related groups at the University of Amsterdam;
• Contribute to events, research meetings, and grant applications;
• Collaborate with other researchers.

What do you have to offer

What do we require  

• A PhD degree in communication science, journalism, or related social science field;
• A strong affinity with digital / computational science methods;
• Affinity with or interest in a lab-based, team research setting;
• Experience in working together with a team of people from different disciplines;
• An excellent written and spoken command of English, for instance demonstrated by publications in English-language journals; 
• The ability, willingness, and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team; 
• Interesting in having an active role in organizing work for the executive board, workshops, lecture series, and similar events.

If the vacancy appeals to you, but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for, please do apply. We encourage all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, people with disabilities, and members of other groups underrepresented in academia to apply. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, inclusiveness, equal opportunities with room for situated experiences, diverse perspectives, and ideas to flourish. This commitment applies to our research, organisation, room for flexibility, training, and community activities as well as our hiring strategy.

What can we offer you

We offer a temporary part-time or full-time contract (32 – 38 hours) for the period of 2 years. Preferred starting date is September 1, 2024, or soon thereafter.

The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from €4.332. up to a maximum of €5.929 (salary scale 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant experience. The profile Researcher 3 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) .

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• a position where own initiative and input are highly valued;
• the ability to have an active part in setting up and shaping this new research center/initiative;
• an enthusiastic and dynamic team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us

The AI, Media & Democracy Lab is a collaboration between the UvA’s Institute for Information Law and the Amsterdam School for Communication Research , the CWI’s research groups Human-Centered Data Analytics , Distributed and Interactive Systems   and Intelligent and Autonomous Systems and the HvA lectorates Responsible IT , Civic Interaction Design , Crossmedia , and Visual Methodologies .

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences . 

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job Application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application/motivation letter and resume in one bundled .pdf by February 29th, 2024.

Applications in one bundled .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a letter of motivation;
• names and contact details of 3 references.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews within 2 weeks after the closing date.

Interviews will take place in March, 2024.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

These regulations contain more information about the procedure for recruiting, selecting and redeploying staff and applicants at the University of Amsterdam.

No agencies please.

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