Call for Applications: One PhD position in the Epistemology of Machine Learning
The newly established, DFG-funded Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “UDNN: Scientific Understanding and Deep Neural Networks” invites applications for one predoctoral position at the Institute for Philosophy and Political Science (IPP) at TU Dortmund University (TUDo). Together with group leader Dr. Florian J. Boge, you will conduct research on the impact of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) on science’s epistemology; specifically, on scientific understanding.
The TUDo is a flourishing environment for research on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its philosophy, featuring multiple opportunities for inter- and intradisciplinary cooperation. With the newly funded Lamarr-Institute, it is co-host to one of six AI-research centers funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Education and Research. Through the University Alliance Ruhr, it features close connections with researchers from the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Duisburg-Essen, working in diverse areas and on various issues of AI in science and society. The IPP at TUDo is also host to several members of the interdisciplinary project “Explainable Intelligent Systems” and is in the process of establishing a new professorship for practical philosophy with a focus on new technologies.
The position is advertised for up to three years.
Requirements
Suitable candidates (f/m/d) have completed (or are presently close to completing) an excellent Master’s degree in philosophy and can claim additional experience in either a natural science, mathematics, or computer science. They have an excellent command of the English language (good command of German is desirable but not required). Ideally, they can also claim some international experience, through studies abroad or an international study environment. They are willing to engage with researchers outside of philosophy (specifically: physics and theoretical biology). They also have excellent social skills and are willing to participate in, and contribute to, the project’s activities, such as: workshops, public events, regular project meetings, and online seminars. They are able to produce an internationally visible, high-quality PhD dissertation and present their work in international conferences and workshops.
- Salary Scale: TV-L E13, 65%.
- Total duration: Up to three years.
- Given equal qualification, preference will be given to individuals from underrepresented groups, such as female researchers or researchers with disabilities.
- Further reduction of the part-time employment is possible in principle.
- For the official advertisement, see https://tinyurl.com/udnn-PhD.
- For further questions, please contact fjboge@gmail.com.
To apply, please send (i) a letter of motivation, (ii) your CV (incl. a list of publications, if any), (iii) copies of your diplomas and (iv) a short summary (2 pages) of your Master’s thesis to udnn.fk14@tu-dortmund.de, using as subject line the reference number w110-22. Closing date: 15 February 2023.