PhD Fellow in AI Ethics with a focus on human-AI constellations at AI LEARN

UiB - Knowledge that shapes society UiB shall be among Europe's leading universities, internationally known for high quality in research and education. As a social institution, we shall contribute to sustainable and democratic development and be an attractive and inclusive place of study and work. Video: https://youtu.be/M5n6RnScNgA PhD Fellow We welcome you to apply for the vacant position as a PhD Fellow in AI ethics with a focus on human–AI constellations at SLATE, The Faculty of Psychology. The position is a fixed-term position of three years, linked to the AI LEARN center, and is funded by the Research Council of Norway. About AI LEARN AI LEARN is a new national center dedicated to strengthening human learning through responsible, human-centered artificial intelligence. In a world where AI systems are changing the way we learn, work, create, lead, and participate in democracy, our center addresses the opportunities and dangers of hybrid intelligence – humans and machines working and learning together. Our goal is to establish an internationally leading interdisciplinary hub that promotes fundamental research, responsible innovation, robust governance, and broad capacity building. AI LEARN is a consortium consisting of 34 national and international partners from academia and the public and private sectors. Six national research centers for artificial intelligence will launch in the autumn of 2025. Here, researchers will collaborate across disciplines to meet societal challenges, understand how AI affects us, develop new technology, and promote innovation in both industry and the public sector. The centers are part of and funded by the government's billion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence over the next five years (regjeringen.no) through the Research Council. About the project/tasks: About the project The position is linked to the center cluster Governance, Ethics & Regulation and offers the opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of reconfigurations, practices, networks and/or collaboration between humans and technology and explores various human–AI constellations with a focus on democratic participation, ethics, and human rights. The PhD supervisor will be postdoctor Anja Salzmann, University of Bergen (UiB) and co-supervisor Prof. Wayne Holmes at University College London, UCL. The workplace is Bergen, Norway. Tasks Investigate and explore ethical issues (e.g., social justice, human dignity, human agency, or human flourishing) in connection with or context of political, economic, social, cultural, or environmental frameworks, impacts, and consequences of AI, including, but not limited to, generative AI in various learning contexts, for example primary and secondary education, informal/formal learning contexts, vocational training, or continuing education. Conduct qualitative empirical research anchored in relevant theory to contribute to the development of ethical frameworks that can inform policy and competence building in continuing education, vocational training, curriculum development, and also pedagogy in specific learning contexts. Participate actively in the activities of AI LEARN and contribute to the center's academic and social life. Qualifications and attributes: You must: have a relevant master's degree in one or more of the following fields: social sciences, educational science/pedagogy, science and technology studies (STS), philosophy, or other relevant fields at the time of application be able to work independently and structured, and have good collaborative skills have very good written and oral English skills It is an advantage if you: have a documented interest in ethical issues related to AI in learning contexts It is normally a requirement to have a grade of B or better on the master's thesis, or possibly as an average grade for the degree, for admission to the PhD program at the faculty. Personal qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will also be assessed in the evaluation of candidates. Regarding the position: About the PhD fellowship: The total fellowship period is 3 years and the position is linked to AI LEARN's Cluster for Ethics, Governance and Regulation. You must not have previously been employed in a fixed-term period as a PhD fellow at the University of Bergen, and you must not already hold a doctorate/PhD. About the PhD education As a PhD fellow, you shall complete the PhD program at the Faculty of Psychology within a timeframe of 3 years. When assessing your qualifications for the position, you will also be assessed for admission to the PhD program. More about the PhD education at the Faculty of Psychology can be found here. We offer: Exciting and developing tasks in a strong academic environment Gross annual salary as a PhD fellow (code 1017) NOK 593,700. Further promotions occur according to seniority in the position. If you have specialist training, higher salary may be considered. Membership in Statens pensjonskasse Good welfare schemes The application must include: A short statement of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position Project description, 5–8 pages including references. The project description shall present the theme, problem(s), and choice of theory and method. It shall also include a progress plan for the various parts of the project. Candidates called in for an interview will be asked to present their project description.

Confirmation that you have been in contact with the PhD supervisor Name and contact information for two references, one of whom must be the main supervisor from the master's thesis or equivalent. CV Transcripts and diplomas from higher education If you have foreign education, you must attach a certified translation into English or a Scandinavian language if the original diploma and transcripts are not in one of these languages. Important: If you have foreign education, you must additionally attach HK-dir's general approval of higher education. We note that this can take some time and that the application for assessment should be sent as soon as you know you want to apply for the PhD fellowship. If you have not received an answer by the application deadline, attach documentation from HK-dir stating that they have received your application. Some educations from selected countries are automatically approved. Check this page for which educations this applies to: Automatisk godkjenning – et raskere alternativ | HK-dir (hkdir.no). If this applies to you, you must download the approval and attach it to the application. List of any scientific works (publication list) Any publications in your name that you wish to be included in the assessment of the application Relevant certificates/testimonials The application and attachments with certified translations into English or a Scandinavian language must be uploaded in Jobbnorge. General information: Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting: postdoctor Anja Salzmann, anja.salzmann@uib.no Diversity is a strength and enables us to solve our tasks even better. UiB therefore needs qualified employees regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and age. We encourage men to apply. If several applicants have approximately equal qualifications, the rules for moderate gender quotas apply. The University of Bergen uses the principle of public access to information when hiring for scientific positions. Information about the applicant may be made public even if the applicant has requested not to be included in the applicant list. If the request is not granted, the applicant shall be notified of this. We encourage applicants with disabilities, immigrant backgrounds, or gaps in their CV to apply. If you check this box in the application, you may receive positive treatment. We always invite at least one qualified applicant from each of these groups to an interview. More about the recruitment process here. Life as a PhD candidate at UiB Astrid Nybø tells about life and the daily work routine as a PhD candidate at UiB. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo3Z63yzkKA&list=PLf8ZIYfAO0qjhROTj6SthDbSScg0lSO6G&index=5