Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a Background in Information Law

5 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Research Field

Juridical sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

20 Jan 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

38.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Institute for Information Law (IViR) at the University of Amsterdam is the academic partner in the EU-Horizon Europe Consortium MOBIFREE, which consists of 12 partners in 5 countries. Mobifree strives for the development of a human-centered framework for the co-creation and assessment of a mobile software ecosystem built around ethical values, including operating systems, app stores, user applications, as well as cloud connectivity protocols (MOBIFREE software).

The main objective for the succesful candidate to work on is the development of a values framework for the co-creation and assessment of a human-centered mobile software ecosystem, which respects human rights, complies with EU legislation and is responsive to public values. This values framework will provide the standard MOBIFREE software must comply with, as well as a step-by-step plan developers must consider during the co-creation and testing stages of MOBIFREE software.

The succesful candidate will conduct a literature review that systematically maps all relevant conformity assessment methodologies for digital innovation and software develpoment. The value-sensitive design will be grounded in current and forthcoming legislation (such as the GDPR, the Data Act and the expected AI Act, the European Convention of Human Rights and the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights), and align with ethical guidelines and codes of conduct (such as the “Ethics in mobile apps project” that some consortium partners were involved in). Furthermore, we will map existing models for human-centred and ethical software that already exist, taking into account all four components of software ecosystems (operating systems, app stores, apps and cloud connectivity).

The succesful candidate will also look at the variety of available conformity assessment methodologies, focussing on compliance, as well as focussing more constructively on helping innovators reflect on the relevant topics during development of their product.

Based on this combined legal and ethical frameworks and literatures, the candidate will develop an overview of relevant evaluative concepts and their meaning when it comes to ‘values-based’ and ‘ethical’ software and a practical guide to use them in a conformity assessment of software ‘in the making’. The results of this review will be presented and discussed in subgroups, using a round table discussion methodology with all project partners.

The IViR research team is looking for a postdoctoral researcher (0,8 FTE for 12 months) who is interested in developing such a values framework.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for a candidate holding a PhD in information law, and who is familiar with the intersection of ethics, human rights, software development or internet infrastructure. We are also willing to consider strong candidates holding a master’s degree in such fields, who have a demonstrable interest in research and in working on a values framework software developers have to consider from the start of the development of applications. The ideal candidate has the capacity to work independently, has excellent oral and written communication skills in English, a creative mind and strong critical and analytical skills. Oral and written communication skills in Dutch are considered an advantage.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer an employment contract for 1 year (0,8 FTE). The preferred starting date is 15 February 2024. Your salary, depending on your relevant experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges from €3226 to €5929 (scale 10-11) gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Selection process

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 20 January 2024. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae and a list of 2-3 references that can be contacted in the process, and
• a letter of motivation describing your background and interests relative to the position.

We will invite potential candidates for interviews in the week of 22 – 27 January. The interviews will be planned in the week of 29 january – 2 February.

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.

Additional comments

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

• Dr. Heleen Janssen, [email protected]

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/336374/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Amsterdam Law School

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1018WV

Street

Nieuwe Achtergracht 166

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/336374/postdoctoral-research-fellow-with-a-…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.uva.nl/

Street

Spui 21

Postal Code

1012 WX

STATUS: EXPIRED