Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

The Professorship for the Design of Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence at the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS) gGmbH in Bochum, Germany, invites applications for the following academic positions:
 

3 x Doctoral Researcher (Wissenschaftliche:r Mitarbeiter:in)
in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction,
or Computational Social Science

Salary group TV-L 13 (100%)
 

and

Salary group TV-L 13 (100%)

Preferred Start Date: April 1st, 2024

Application Deadline: January 31st, 2024.

The positions are funded for up to five years. The doctorate will be awarded in collaboration with the University of Wuppertal.

As a researcher at CAIS, you concentrate on one of the following research specializations:
 

RS1 - Trust in AI Through Understanding:

This research specialization aims to measure and analyze users’ understanding of AI systems (User Beliefs, Folk Theories). This includes popular platforms like YouTube, TikTok, ChatGPT, and novel social media platforms developed at CAIS and our partner institutions.

RS2 - Trust in AI Through Control:

This research specialization will develop methods for controlling the output of ML-based systems through systematic audits. This includes analyzing the biases and other ethical problems associated with platforms like YouTube and TikTok and making sure that social media platforms are free of biases.

RS3 - Trust in AI Through Co-Creation:

The goal of the third research specialization is to develop methods for the deep involvement of users in the design of AI systems. This includes extensions to existing social media platforms and the design and development of new social media platforms.

Klick here to find more information on the research topics.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computational Social Science, Media Informatics, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field
• Programming skills in at least one programming language such as Python, Ruby, Java, JavaScript, Dart, or equivalent
• Strong English skills

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience with scientific publications
• Demonstrated experience in user-centered and/or participatory software development
• Demonstrated experience in the development of mobile apps and/or web applications

Benefits:

• A diverse and equal-opportunity working environment
• Continuous personnel development
• Flexible working hours
• 30 days annual leave
• 14 days workation per year
• Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes
• Two days of home office per week (flexible location within Germany)
• Anonymous health hotline, discounted sports courses, and internal workshops on health-related topics
• Flexible working hours, family-friendly working, and a parent-child office
• Extensive equality policy measures (e.g., free internal workshops on communication, digital anonymous grievance box) and internal network CAISrainbow

The Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS) gGmbH researches the political, economic, social, and cultural developments triggered by the internet and digitalization. As an interdisciplinary research institution, CAIS uses scientific methods to help shape a digital society in the interests of the people. The research programs at CAIS deal with the opportunities and challenges of digitalization in all its facets and contribute scientific findings to current social debates. A team of experienced and young researchers from various disciplines implements the research programs in Bochum and engages in dialogue with the public.

The CAIS strives to increase the diversity of our scientific community. We strongly encourage members of historically marginalized groups to apply, including, but not limited to: people of color, women*, LGBTQ+, and others. Applicants with impairments with essentially equal professional and personal qualifications will be given priority.

Applications should include a CV, all university transcripts, and a reading sample, e.g., from prior publications or a Master’s thesis. Please provide a letter of motivation of up to three pages in which you explain which research specialization you want to focus on and why you are the right candidate.

For full consideration, please submit all documents in electronic form (as PDF) by 31.01.2024 via the application button below, quoting the reference number B2024-AI-04.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with Prof. Dr. Heuer.

Unfortunately, the costs for the application cannot be reimbursed. We plan to invite candidates by the beginning of February and make a decision by the end of February.