Intelligent systems adhering to human responsibility and normative constraints
As a result of rapid and impressive technological developments, applications and the impact of autonomous intelligent systems on our society becomes increasingly present. Several ethical codes and normative frameworks have been proposed to support the development of ‘responsible AI’, usually based on principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, autonomy, and explainability. It is implicitly assumed that these principles can be translated into operational constraints for software and systems. However, such translation to concrete technical requirements is not a straightforward process, leads to conflicting requirements, and demands deliberation between a number of stakeholders (developers, users, individuals affected by system’s actions, legal experts, etc.). This postdoctoral research position will focus on diminishing the gap between principles and practice of moral responsibility and adherence to (social and legal) norms for intelligent autonomous systems. Focusing on the question of how we can achieve meaningful human control over autonomous systems, different ethical frameworks and principles will be studied to understand the challenges and processes necessary to incorporate such concepts into computational models. This will lead to  case studies of different design approaches that will engage relevant stakeholders to capture adherence to social, legal, ethical norms, and, ultimately, human responsibility.

• Excellent English skills;
• Flexibility and readiness to work in teams.

Candidates with a PhD degree in or analytical philosophy (e.g. ethics and philosophy of action) and strong affinity (or degree in) computer Science are strongly encouraged to apply.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, could be extended to 2 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

The Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM) develops robust models and designs, to solve the complex challenges of today’s networked society. TPM combines insights from the engineering sciences with insights from the humanities and the social sciences.

The Department of Values, Technology and Innovation (VTI) focuses on the value dimension of comprehensive engineering, the overarching research theme of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management (TPM). It uniquely comprises philosophers, economists and risk scholars. It studies how to develop and diffuse responsible technological innovations that reflect deeply held social and moral values. The department is one of the largest groups in the world studying value aspects, economics and risks for a wide range of sociotechnical systems. The department plays a leading role nationally and internationally in research in responsible innovation and design for values.

The Ethics and Philosophy of Technology section is one of three sections within the VTI Department. The Section plays a central role worldwide in research on ethics and philosophy of technology. The Section provides for service teaching at all engineering programs of TU Delft, primarily in ethics but also in philosophy of engineering methodology, philosophy of science and in critical thinking for engineering students. We develop and provide our teaching in close collaboration with (assistant/associate) professors in engineering, to provide for tailor-made education that connects well with the focus of the different engineering programs.