Senior Research Fellow In Ethics In Artificial Intelligence - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Senior Research Fellow In Ethics In Artificial Intelligence

to join us in Hybrid Intelligence (HI) Research Programme at the University of Oulu (Finland).

The University has recently launched a new multi-faculty strategic research program, “Hybrid Intelligence: Human-AI Co-evolution and Learning in Multi-realities.” HI stands on the fundamental research on emotion AI, learning processes, and perception engineering for AI-based solutions, e.g., in education and nursing. HI research combines the strengths of humans and machines, emphasizing mutual understanding and learning from each other in their co-evolution. We propose to build the idea of a metaverse by combining our physical and virtual realities towards a multi-reality. The programme focuses on international top-level collaborative and multidisciplinary research, supported by LeaF, a unique learning and interaction research infrastructure. New Ethics Forum and Data Forum will be established in collaboration with the Eudaimonia Institute. The Ethics Forum allows for a new deep cross-cutting HI discussion in ethical and responsible ways. HI aspires to scientific leadership in solving global challenges by facilitating human-human and human-technology interaction, understanding and collaboration for the human capital behind AI. With its international networks HI will pave the way towards breakthroughs in how humans and machines interact and understand and learn from each other. HI will recruit new talented international researchers to bolster scientific profiles at the University of Oulu and initiate new collaborations with companies.

About the job

The successful candidate will have an area of specialization in ethics and research interests relevant to ethics in AI. Candidates must demonstrate a research record in ethics of international standing appropriate to the stage of their career, including publications in ethics in AI or relevant to ethics in AI. Also, research into how AI can be empowered for open science is valued. The successful candidate will be expected to engage in advanced study within ethics, focusing on ethics in AI. One of the prime responsibilities is to create and run the Ethics Forum with the director of the Eudaimonia Institute of the Human Sciences. The Ethics Forum will facilitate new research and discussion on ethics, values, and societal concerns of Hybrid Intelligence. In addition, the successful candidate must be able to provide research-led teaching (one lecture course or seminar in ethics per year) and supervise postgraduate research.

Applicants should either have a doctorate in philosophy with a particular orientation in ethics or a related field with clear evidence of research competence in ethics in AI. We expect the contribution to other subthemes in Oulu University Hybrid Intelligence profiling area and close collaboration with scholars working in Hybrid Intelligence.

What we offer?

We offer you a supportive academic environment in a community of committed scholars and the possibility to use funding opportunities to generate new research ideas and build an innovative program that will attract international scholars. The University of Oulu offers flexible working hours, an excellent work-life balance, and a range of occupational healthcare services. Our competitive salaries include paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. You can read more about working with us and our staff benefits.

Finland is one of the most liveable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Oulu is a city known for its stunning natural surroundings, vibrant cultural life, and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. Residents of Oulu enjoy Finland’s high standard of living combined with affordable housing. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

To succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• Doctoral degree in the applicable research field
• You must demonstrate evidence of scientific research work and relevant teaching skills
• You must have the ability to lead research and experience in acquiring external research funding
• We also expect you to have sufficient and relevant experience in international scientific work and evidence of international cooperation
• Because this is a transdisciplinary position, we value demonstrated experience in transdisciplinary approaches to research
• You have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills

Salary

The work contract of a Senior Research Fellow is a five-year fixed-term contract.

The salary will be based on levels 6-7 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 4000-5500 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply 

Interested? If yes, please apply on 16.4.2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. A cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. List of publications following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (with the ten most important ones marked)
4. Brief account of research merits (max 2 p.)
5. Brief account of teaching merits or teaching portfolio (max 2p.)
   1. Teaching philosophy, teaching strategies, and methods
   2. Practical experience in teaching and efforts to improve teaching
   3. Description of educational material (curricula, handouts, assignments, workbooks)
   4. Professional development as a teacher
   5. Evaluation from teaching (student evaluations, peer evaluations, awards, and assessed test lectures)
   6. Future teaching goals and plans for development, especially about the teaching
6. Details regarding the acquisition of research funds
7. A brief research and action plan (max 2 p.)
8. Contact information of 2–4 persons available for recommendation

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

A recruitment committee carries out the process, and the candidates are subjected to publication analyses based on their publication lists. The eligible candidates fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

if you have any further questions, please get in touch with the coordinator of HI, Satu Kaleva; satu.kaleva(at)oulu.fi Mobile: +358 50 4787744 (Mon - Fri at 14:00 – 15:00 EET) or Professor Jouni-Matti Kuukkanen only by email: jouni-matti.kuukkanen(at)oulu.fi

Edited 21.3.2023: Application time extended from 24.3.2023 to 10.4.2023.

Edited 6.4.2023: Application time extended from 14.4.2023 to 16.4.2023.