Postdoctoral Researcher with a focus on Ethics and Politics of Artificial Intelligence

18 May 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Maastricht University (UM)

Research Field

Cultural studies
Technology

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

16 Jun 2023 - 21:59 (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

We are looking for someone who cares about doing research with a clear societal goal and real impact on people’s lives. Someone with an interest in novel technology and its potential for innovation, but only when it is done in a socially responsible manner; someone who wants to turn relevant theory into practical applicability in real life. Someone who is as excited as we are to pick up this relevant work, together with us, at BISS.

BISS is an interdisciplinary team in which all faculties of Maastricht University work together, focused on the use of Artificial Intelligence and data science to address societal and business challenges. All BISS projects pay attention to the ethical, societal and legal aspects of applying new technology in order to solve these challenges.

As postdoc at BISS:

• You will work, in close collaboration with other researchers and partners, on the implementation of trustworthy AI for the analysis and tackling of various societal challenges (e.g., poverty, just transition);
• You will become part of the national Human-Centric Artificial Intelligence Group of the Dutch AI coalition. You will work  alongside  government organisations, industry partners, and other knowledge institutes. In addition, we consider it crucial to involve those who will be impacted by the technology. Therefore, setting up, conducting, and evaluating experimental participatory processes will be a major focus of your day-to-day work.
• You will contribute to the acquisition of external funding for your own project ideas, and to the strengthening of external relations. We operate in a network of businesses, government organisations, and other knowledge institutes, and actively participating in this network is crucial to BISS’ success. This provides you with a unique possibility to steer the projects you work on and the direction you would like your career to take.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for a researcher willingness to contribute proactively to the development of BISS. You are interested in responsible innovation, governance of AI, and in working at the crossroads between sociology, ethics and politics of research and innovation. You are highly motivated to work in an interdisciplinary setting, but you are also able to work independently. By doing so you will take ownership for ethical work packages in BISS projects.

Furthermore you have: 

• A completed PhD in ethics of technology; philosophy of technology; sociology; science and technology studies (STS); critical AI/data studies; or another relevant humanities or social science discipline.
• Experience of doing research that addresses the interrelationships between digital technologies (specifically AI in any of its manifestations) and their use in society.
• Experience with or the willingness to develop expertise in qualitative methods, such as interviews or focus groups.
• Written and spoken command of English and Dutch. In order to connect to stakeholders and set up participatory processes, understanding and speaking Dutch is crucial.

Additional Information
Benefits

• We offer a 4 year contract for 1.0 FTE (38 hours).  The salary is between € 3.974,- and € 5.439,- gross per month (based on a full-time appointment).
• In addition to the salary, we offer an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• 232 vacation hours per year for full-time employment and the possibility of expanding this slightly and additional holidays;
• ABP pension;
• Work life balance. For example, we offer a corporate fitness plan, a bicycle scheme, flexible working hours and partially paid parental leave.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, consult the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Selection process

Please send your application to [email protected]

Interested candidates should send:

• A letter of motivation
• A detailed CV

After the closing date of the vacancy, you can expect a response from us within 2 weeks. The application process consists of a first round of one interview with 3 people, and if selected for round 2 a presentation for the BISS-team.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.

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Additional comments

Interested in this vacancy?

Inquiries may be directed to Dr Robert Gianni, department of Philosophy ([email protected] ), or to Dr Judith Kamalski, Managing Director BISS ([email protected] )

You can apply for this position by clicking the "apply now" button.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/327971/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Maastricht University

Country

Netherlands

City

Maastricht

Postal Code

6229 EN

Street

Paul-Henri Spaaklaan 1

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/327971/postdoctoral-researcher-with-a-focus-on…

Contact

City

Maastricht

Website

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Street

Minderbroedersberg 4

Postal Code

6211 LK

STATUS: EXPIRED