Do you want to be part of the AI, Media & Democracy Lab? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a profile in information law.

The AI, Media and Democracy ELSA Lab’s aim is to set up an experimental space and testbed for novel ways of applying AI in the media. Journalists, media professionals, designers, citizens, researchers and public and societal partners bring in their challenges in using AI in the media. The lab investigates how AI-driven applications in the media change the public sphere, civic engagement and economic competition. We develop and test new AI-applications to help solve problems such as disinformation, algorithmic bias and filter bubbles. Together with our partners we also (co)-create new ethical and legal frameworks for responsible uses of AI that align with fundamental rights, public values and the European regulatory framework.

For the position, we are looking for a postdoc who will help us to critically assess the emerging regulatory framework for AI and digital platforms from the perspective of media organisations, journalism and citizens, identify and address emerging legal challenges. You will also help to develop guidelines for the responsible use of AI in the media and actively work together with the other (interdisciplinary) members of the lab and the media partners to solve legal questions that arise from the concrete case studies.

About the AI, Media, and Democracy Lab
The AI, Media & Democracy Lab is a collaboration between the UvA’s Institute for Information Law and Amsterdam School of Communication Research, the CWI’s research groups Human-Centered Data Analytics, Distributed and Interactive Systems and Intelligent and Autonomous Systems and the HvA lectorates Responsible IT, Civic Interaction Design, Crossmedia, and Visual Methodologies.

The AI, Media & Democracy Lab focuses on how AI and digital technology are transforming media and democracy. Our researchers tackle specific issues surrounding the use of AI in the media, such as ways to develop more people-oriented and diverse recommender systems, or the possible role of chatbots in news provision. In addition, they and the various partners in the lab think about what the media of tomorrow should look like.

For more information about the lab, please find the website of the AI, Media and Democracy Lab here.

What are you going to do?
Tasks include:

• Develop, conduct, and publish research on media and AI and present on (inter)national conferences;
• Contribute to the public debate and organise activities as part of AIMD and related groups at the University of Amsterdam;
• Contribute to events, research meetings, and grant applications;

Requirements

• Have a clear research interest in the topic of the project (documented by publications and grant applications);
• An excellent written and spoken command of English, as demonstrated by publications in English-language journals (written and spoken command of other languages, including French, German and/or Dutch is a plus);
• The ability, willingness, and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team that includes legal scholars, communication scholars, ethici and data scientists;
• Experience with organising workshops, lecture series, and similar events;
• A relevant PhD degree in Law. Candidates who are due to submit their dissertation before 1 February 2025 are welcome to apply.

If the vacancy appeals to you, but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for, please do apply. We encourage all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, people with disabilities, and members of other groups underrepresented in academia to apply. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, inclusiveness, equal opportunities with room for situated experiences, diverse perspectives, and ideas to flourish. This commitment applies to our research, organisation, room for flexibility, training, and community activities as well as our hiring strategy.

What do we offer?
We offer a temporary part-time or full-time contract (32 – 38 hours) for the period of 2 years. Preferred starting date is 1 January 2025. The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from €4.332 up to a maximum of €5.929 (salary scale 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant experience. The profile Researcher 3 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer?

• a position where own initiative and input are highly valued;
• the ability to have an active part in setting up and shaping this new research center/initiative;
• an enthusiastic and dynamic team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

With over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members, the Amsterdam Law School is one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate lawyers who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of making a real contribution to solving social problems.

The Amsterdam Law School stands for progressive and trail-blazing education and research, for stronger legal institutions, solutions to social problems and a better and juster society.

The Institute for Information Law (IViR), officially established in 1989, is one of the largest research centers in the field of information law in the world. The Institute employs over 25 researchers who are active in an entire spectrum of information society related legal areas: intellectual property law, patents, telecommunications and broadcasting regulation, media law, Internet regulation, advertising law, domain names, freedom of expression, privacy, digital consumer issues, commercial speech, et cetera.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, please contact:

• Prof. dr. Natali Helberger
• E: n.helberger@uva.nl

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving motivation letter and cv. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until June 23, 2024. The first round of application interviews will take place online end of June/beginning of July.

Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but do not yet have all the required experience? Then the UvA encourages you to apply anyway.