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

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.

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.

• 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.

Maastricht University (UM) is known for its unique innovative and problem-based education system (PBL), which is characterized by a small-scale and student-centered approach. Research at UM is multidisciplinary and thematic in nature, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. UM currently has nearly 22,000 students and approximately 5,000 employees. As a result of its highly international character, a large proportion of both students and employees come from abroad. UM has six faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

For more information visit: http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

At Brightlands Institute for Smart Society (BISS), Maastricht University scientists work on innovative and responsible solutions to data challenges. All disciplines and faculties collaborate in applying data science and technology to solve real life societal and business needs. BISS was set up by Maastricht University, the Province of Limburg and APG. BISS is located on the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen, the Netherlands.

BISS’ mission is to empower people and organisations through the socially responsible application of digital technologies. We focus on privacy preserving technologies, on value creation from data, and on human-technology interaction.

BISS is part of Brightlands, an open innovation community in Limburg, The Netherlands with 29,000 innovative entrepreneurs, researchers and students. Every day they work on breakthroughs in the field of sustainability, health and digitization. At Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen they enable knowledge in the field of data science to lead to new smart digital services that improve the quality of life.

Please send your application to RecruitmentFSE@maastrichtuniversity.nl

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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