Postdoctoral Researcher at University Research Priority Area – Humane AI and Justice Call for Applications

Publication date: 4 June 2021
Closing date 27 June 2021
Level of education University
Hours 38 hours per week
Salary indication €3,746 to €5,127 gross per month
Vacancy number 21-439

Are you looking for a challenging job in a dynamic setting? The Faculty of Law is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the University Research Priority Area Humane AI.

What will you be doing?

The Research Area Humane AI and the Amsterdam Law School of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) are looking for a postdoctoral researcher who will conduct research in the area of Responsible AI and the justice sector. Questions that can be addressed concern the responsible use of AI in the justice sector, the legitimacy of data-driven practices in the justice system, the role and governance of digital platforms and tech companies, the question of how to uphold classic ideals of the legal professions such as independence in a hybrid machine-human justice system, or how to conceptualize notions such as fairness, judicial autonomy or the role of contestation and legal argumentation in a digitizing justice sector.

This postdoc position will be part of the Research Priority Area Human(e) AI of the UvA, which synthesises ongoing work and stimulates new research at the UvA on the societal consequences of the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making (ADM) in a wide variety of societal areas. The postdoc will also join the Digital Transformation of Decision Making research initiative at Amsterdam Law School, which is part of the larger national legal research agenda on Digital Legal Studies (2019-2025) in the Netherlands and the Department of Jurisprudence at the Faculty of Law.

You will/tasks:

  • develop, conduct and publish research on responsible AI in justice;
  • contribute to the overall RPA in terms of events, research meetings and activities;
  • collaborate with other postdocs and faculty members within and between faculties;
  • give guest lectures in the area of your expertise within Humane AI at BA or MA level at the UvA;
  • help co-supervising research projects of students;
  • engage in educational activities, e.g. in the interdisciplinary, cross-faculty Humane AI course or at faculty level;
  • play a role in initiating and conducting applications for external funding.

What do we require of you?

  • A clear research interest in the topic of the project (documented by publications and/or grant applications).
  • A relevant background in Law.
  • Affinity and ideally experience with research in legal aspects related to digitisation and AI and/or digitisation and AI in the justice sector.
  • Strong research interest in Human(e) AI as witnessed by research papers in relevant top venues and several lectures given at important conferences in your field.
  • The ability, willingness, and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience with organising workshops, lecture series, or other events that facilitate knowledge dissemination and valorisation.
  • Strong communication skills and experience with working with partners within and outside academia.
  • Excellent written and spoken command of English, as demonstrated by publications in English-language journals
  • Written and spoken command of Dutch is a plus).
  • A relevant PhD degree. Candidates who are due to dubmit their dissertation before 1 September 2021 are welcome to apply.

Our offer

The position concerns a temporary employment contract of 38 hours per week for a term of two years. The second year is pending a positive evaluation at the end of the first year. Salary depends on past education and relevant work experience, with a minimum salary of €3,746 and a maximum of €5,127 gross per month based on a full-time employment contract for a 38-hour working week (in keeping with scale 11, as per the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.).

We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary employee benefits, including a generous holiday scheme and year-end bonus. Because we value your continued personal development and professionalisation, we also offer excellent opportunities for study and development.

About us

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.

To work at the UvA is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the UvA.

Questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 23 June, 2021. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a short research plan (max 1 A4).

We will invite potential candidates for interviews within 1 week after the closing date. Interviews will take place in week 26/27.

Apply now