We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher in the broad field of inclusive, humane artificial intelligence (AI). It will be your primary research task to explore how AI and machine learning shape (and are shaped by) new forms of organizing urban environments as laboratories for more resilient ways of practicing health, providing care or remaining socially connected as we get older. The broader context to this is the increasing attention to the role of the social sciences and humanities (SSH) in the development of AI technologies and infrastructures. In this context, you will engage empirically with local initiatives and pilot projects in the broad field of health and ageing (social) innovations, and actively engage with stakeholders and co-creation processes (e.g., at the AI-hub Brightlands). As an outcome, we expect you to also make a conceptual contribution to SSH informed inclusive, humane AI, for instance by combining normative approaches in traditional ethics with more recent discussion around empirical ethics and valuation processes. The Faculty of Humanities provides an excellent environment for this, with broad expertise in the philosophy of technology, the history of (mental) health, and Science and Technology Studies (STS).

The ideal cadidate:

•  is graduated in a relevant field of study;
•  has expertise and skills in qualitative, empirical research;
•  has excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
• is fluent in Dutch or has the willingness to acquire fluency in Dutch within 6 months;
• has the ability to work in a self-propelled manner in interdisciplinary teams
• thrives in international and multidisciplinary environments, can communicate effectively with various stakeholders and has sharp analytical skills.
• has an affinity with the human aspects of digital technologies related to health care and/or ageing.

Fixed-term contract: for a period of 24 months.

The salary will be determined on the basis of your experience and qualifications, but will be in accordance with the general salary scales 10 of the CAO-NU. An indication of the maximum gross salary is € 4.670.- per month, for a full-time appointment.

The OU offers good secondary and flexible employment conditions in areas such as training and mobility, working part-time, hybrid working, and paid parental leave.

In good consultation, you are expected to be present in Heerlen on a regular basis (in the case of a full-time appointment 2 days a week).

The Open Universiteit

Flexible studying anywhere in the Netherlands and (Belgium) Flanders
At the Open Universiteit (OU) in the Netherlands, students follow personalised and activating academic distance education and disciplinary research is carried out within the various fields of science. Students can complete bachelor and master programmes in seven fields of study. The characteristics of education are openness, flexibility and quality (see www.ou.nl/rankings). Much attention is paid to improving the study success of students. The OU has over 18,000 students and more than 750 employees. The OU has branches in the Netherlands and Belgium (see www.ou.nl/studiecentra). The main office is located in Heerlen, the Netherlands.

The latest technologies and educational insights are applied both in the bachelor's and master's programmes and courses and in projects and programmes with partners. Nationally and internationally, the OU plays an important role in the innovation of higher education. Education is interwoven with research, which also ensures that the current state of science is incorporated. The OU invests not only in disciplinary research in eight scientific fields, but also in research in a multidisciplinary programme: Innovating for resilience.

The Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities focuses on the cultural dimension of grand societal challenges of our time, such as those relating to technological innovation and digitisation, identity, globalisation, urbanisation, climate and sustainability and (mental) health. The Faculty has more than 2500 students and 50 staff members. Based on their cultural-scientific view of these themes, they seek collaboration with partners within and outside the higher education sector. The Faculty is at the beginning of a radical re-profiling process called Connected Humanities 2020-2025 (Cultuurwetenschappen in verbinding), which aims to seize opportunities that exist for a non-traditional form of humanities, tackling issues outside its traditional domain, consisting of history, art, philosophy and culture. As such, Connected Humanities seeks collaboration across the borders of the Humanities and the Social Sciences.