Umeå University, the Department of Computing Science, is seeking outstanding candidates for a Wallenberg Autonomous Systems Program (WASP) PhD student position in Computer Science with focus on socially intelligent systems for human-agent collaboration. Deadline for application is September 8, 2019.
In this project, we will
investigate to what extent and how AI can be designed and used
to behave in line with ethical principles and social values. In
particular, we aim to investigate the impact of AI systems on
self-determination and on democratic processes and values. We
approach this challenge by first analysing the expectations of
people about the ethical and societal impact of AI, on how AI
will lead to novel models of democracy, and on the capability of
people to exert their right to self-determination. We will then
develop computational theories and methods to design and
evaluate AI applications such that they meet societal and
ethical needs and expectations. We will evaluate these systems
in a simulation environment that enables us to create synthetic
communities of artificial agents and test the resulting social
behaviour as these agents interact with each other and with AI
systems. We compare these results to those empirically obtained
in three case studies: about pluralism in political debate,
about critical scrutiny in public decision-making, and about
self-determination in the interaction with virtual coaches for
improving health.
The project is part of
the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program –
Humanities and Society (WASP-HS). The program is initiated and
generously funded by the Wallenberg Foundations. The vision of
WASP-HS is to realise excellent research and build competence on
the ethical, economic, labor market, social and legal aspects of
Artificial Intelligence. For more information about the research
and other activities conducted within WASP-HS please visit http://wasp-hs.org/.
The successful candidate is expected to participate in the national graduate school provided by WASP-HS, in addition to the local doctoral education requirements at Umeå University. The project will take place within the research group on Responsible AI, lead by Prof. Virginia Dignum: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/responsible-artificial-intelligence/
About the position
The successful applicant will be employed by Umeå University and
receive a competitive salary for a period of four years of full
time PhD studies, provided that the studies are progressing
reasonably well. PhD students are typically offered the
opportunity to gain teaching experience on suitable undergraduate
courses. If so, the employment period is extended to cover the
time spent on teaching (at most 20 %). Expected starting date is 1st of January 2020 or as
otherwise agreed.
Admission requirements
The applicant is required to have completed a second- cycle level
degree (MSc or equivalent), or completed course requirements of at
least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at
second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas,
or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry
requirements for doctoral studies in computing science, the
applicant is required to have completed courses at second-cycle
level degree equivalent to 60 ECTS credits in computing science,
or in a subject considered to be directly relevant for the
specialisation in question.
Candidates are expected to have very good knowledge in Artificial Intelligence and on the interaction between people and intelligent systems, in particular in the health domain. Demonstrable knowledge of systems design and modelling, multi-agent systems, or agent-based simulation is an advantage.
Since research is conducted in an international research environment, the ability to collaborate and contribute to teamwork, documented experience from multidisciplinary collaboration, and a very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, are key requirements.
Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:
• A cover letter including a description of how you will address
the research topic, your reasons to apply for the position, and
your contact information
• A curriculum vitae
• If applicable, copy of completed BSc and/or MSc thesis and other
original research publications
• Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of
completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Contact information for two persons willing to act as references
The application must be written in English or Swedish, and
attached documents must be written in or translated to English or
Swedish. Documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications
must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of
Umeå University, and be received no later than September 8, 2019. Log on to the
system and apply via the button at the bottom of the web page.
The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed. The recruitment aims at a balanced gender distribution, and in particular women are encouraged to apply.
For additional information, please contact Prof. Virginia Dignum virginia@cs.umu.se or Prof. Helena Lindgren helena@cs.umu.se.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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