PhD on how to use AI technologies to improve ethics methodology

1 week geleden

Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

Job Description

In the last few decades, philosophers have speculated about how AI systems could support or enhance individual moral reasoning, deliberation, and other moral functioning. Following recent developments in AI research, philosophers may well ask what role AI can play within ethics as a discipline. Can AI technologies be used to improve the methods of ethics, including the methods that ethicists of technology use for responding to socially disruptive technologies?

Socially disruptive technologies pose new types of ethical challenges. AI could conceivably help us respond to those challenges by facilitating better ethical theorizing and decision-making. For instance, philosophers might attempt to incorporate AI technologies into processes of conceptual analysis, conceptual engineering, reflective equilibrium, development of new ethical principles and theories, generation of possible arguments and objections, generation of counterexamples to theories, preliminary identification of morally significant risks and benefits in scenarios, and so on. One way to approach such an ambition would be by using finetuning and special prompting to create large language model-based systems to perform or assist with some of these tasks. Philosophers might also try using AI systems to support exploratory anticipation and prospection activities—developing AI systems that help generate technomoral scenarios with a range of salient features, for human discussion and reflection. To facilitate group deliberation, philosophers might incorporate AI into systems for more frequently and efficiently eliciting, analyzing, and aggregating beliefs and preferences within groups, identifying and characterizing points of overlap and disagreement, and helping humans communicate with other humans about what their values are, what norms they endorse, their reasons for their moral views, etc. Insofar as decisions about technology design, implementation, maintenance, modification, etc., should be informed by the values and preferences of stakeholders, researchers might use AI systems to more effectively request and synthesize inputs from ordinary people about how various designs are falling short in ethically-significant dimensions. Alternately, philosophers may want to develop AI agents for engaging in dialogue or negotiating on behalf of individuals or interest groups.

The project is not committed from the outset to the idea that AI systems should be incorporated into ethics methodology any time soon or even ever. There are many potential objections to incorporating AI into ethics—e.g. that human individuals bear special duties to perform certain aspects of ethical reasoning or discernment for themselves, that use of AI within certain ethics tasks would reduce the value of those tasks, or that the opaqueness of the AI systems involved mean that humans cannot rely on AI systems for certain purposes.

In this PhD project, the student will characterize some ways in which AI might conceivably be used to improve ethics methodology and they will develop and defend a position on whether humans should or should not attempt to incorporate AI into ethical methodology in those ways.

This PhD position will be part of the Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies (ESDiT) programme, a ten-year international research programme of seven academic institutions in the Netherlands that started in January 2020. This programme has a combined budget of €27 million and is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) in the Gravitation funding scheme for excellent research, and by matching funds from the participating institutions. The duration of the programme is from January 2020 to December 2029. The programme has the aim of achieving breakthrough research in at the intersection of ethics, philosophy, technology/engineering and social sciences, and to position its consortium at the top of its field internationally. A key objective is to investigate how new technologies challenge moral values and ontological concepts (like "nature", "human being" and "community"), and how these challenges necessitate a revision of these concepts. The programme includes four research lines, "Nature, Life and Human Intervention", "The Future of a Free and Fair Society", "The Human Condition," and "Foundations & Synthesis".

This PhD position will be situated within the Foundations & Synthesis research line, and it will contribute to the ESDiT research objective on "New approaches for ethical assessment and guidance of SDTs". A fuller description of the Foundations & Synthesis research line, as well as the programme as a whole, can be found through the ESDiT website:

You will be embedded within the Philosophy & Ethics group in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences at TU/e. Philosophy & Ethics at TU/e is a vibrant international community, consisting of around 30 members with research interests ranging from philosophy of science and technology to ethics and the philosophy of AI. We have strong cooperation with other departments and the new Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI). TU/e is part of the 4TU Ethics consortium ), (comprised of TU/e, Delft, Twente, and Wageningen), where we cooperate closely on research and education of students.

The project will be supervised by Elizabeth O'Neill and Philip Nickel.

Please note that there are other vacancies in the Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies programme at different participating universities. In case several are of interest to you, we encourage you to apply to them simultaneously.

Job requirements

We are looking for a PhD candidate who has:

A completed master's degree in philosophy, preferably in normative ethics, applied ethics, metaethics, ethics of technology, or philosophy of technology. Excellent speaking and writing skills in English. An aptitude for independent work. A background in computer science, especially machine learning, is a plus.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks. Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539). A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities. An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

ESDiT PhD students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad, for which a budget is available to cover expenses; a generous conference travel budget is also available for the position.

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. TU/e as well as the larger ESDiT research program encourage applications from women, scholars with disabilities, scholars from minority backgrounds, and other persons from groups that are currently underrepresented in philosophy.

  • Phd On How to Use Ai Technologies to Improve Ethics

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland TU Eindhoven Voltijd

    Job description:Can and should philosophers employ large language models or other artificial intelligence tools in the course of doing ethics? Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), in collaboration with the inter-university research consortium, "Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies (ESDiT)," seeks to hire a PhD student for a four-year project on...

  • AI Ethics

    2 maanden geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Philips Voltijd

    Job TitleAI Ethics & Compliance LeadJob DescriptionAs a AI Ethics & Compliance Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the ethical development, deployment, and operation of AI systems. This role demands a proactive approach to navigating the complex landscape of compliance standards and data privacy laws. You will be the cornerstone in establishing a...

  • AI Ethics

    3 weken geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Philips Voltijd

    Job TitleAI Ethics & Compliance LeadJob DescriptionAs a AI Ethics & Compliance Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the ethical development, deployment, and operation of AI systems. This role demands a proactive approach to navigating the complex landscape of compliance standards and data privacy laws. You will be the cornerstone in establishing a...

  • PhD on human-centered AI and attention in cognitive technologies

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job Description We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate to join our dynamic team for a PhD position. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work and learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) through close collaboration with Deep Learning experts at the University of Georgia (USA). This unique opportunity will not only provide you with robust and...

  • Ai Ethics

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Philips Voltijd

    Job Title: AI Ethics & Compliance LeadAs a AI Ethics & Compliance Lead, you will play a critical role in ensuring the ethical development, deployment, and operation of AI systems. This role demands a proactive approach to navigating the complex landscape of compliance standards and data privacy laws. You will be the cornerstone in establishing a culture of...

  • Phd On Human-centered Ai and Attention in Cognitive

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland TU Eindhoven Voltijd

    Job description:Are you passionate about exploring the intersection of human cognition and technology? Are you interested in gaining expertise in AI, particularly in the field of _Deep Learning_? Do you have the drive to tackle real-world challenges in assistive technology (e.g., products, equipment, and systems aimed at enhancing learning, working, and...

  • Phd On Motivation

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland TU Eindhoven Voltijd

    Job description:Are you eager to find out how we can motivate and enable employees to perform well in the renewable energy sector? Do you have a keen interest in understanding the psychological dynamics of employees when they transition from working from on-site mechanics to remote technology? Are you (motivated to become) an academic expert on employee...

  • PhD on Realizing the first European Health Data Space focused on Prevention

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job description In spring 2024, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the Commission proposal for the European Health Data Space (EHDS). The EHDS is the first common EU data space in a specific area to emerge from the European strategy for data. Overall, the leading initiatives focus on clinical data. At the same time,...

  • Generative AI Scientist

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Thermo Fisher Scientific Voltijd

    Job DescriptionWe have an exciting new job opening for a Generative AI Scientist in our Rapid Response Team. We are looking for a creative candidate who thrives on curiosity and learning, who has a passion to innovate, and enjoys a challenge. If you are that kind of scientist: Consider joining our team of thinkers and doers to drive innovation at the...

  • Generative AI Scientist

    3 weken geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Thermo Fisher Scientific Voltijd

    Job DescriptionWe have an exciting new job opening for a Generative AI Scientist in our Rapid Response Team. We are looking for a creative candidate who thrives on curiosity and learning, who has a passion to innovate, and enjoys a challenge. If you are that kind of scientist: Consider joining our team of thinkers and doers to drive innovation at the...

  • PhD on Synthetical data generation using multivariate models

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job DescriptionThe project is centered around the generation of synthetic data, utilizing AI for state estimation, stochastic modeling, and reliability assessment, as well as grid-edge optimal solutions. These models will work in conjunction with AI-powered state estimations to improve network observability and grid monitoring. The integration of stochastic...

  • Clinical Ai Innovation Lead

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Philips Voltijd

    Job Title: Clinical AI Innovation LeadYour role:- Leading Clinical AI Explorations: Initiate and manage innovation projects together with clinical partners, focused on the new capability development of clinical AI technologies, either organically, or inorganically, creating the recipe from concept to deployment, ensuring alignment with clinical needs and...

  • PhD on Designing for Dynamics in Vulnerability

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job description Specific individuals or groups experience adverse effects or exclusion when interacting with technology due to physical or cognitive impairments, socioeconomic status, cultural differences, or health conditions. In this context, such users are often labeled as 'vulnerable' based on characterizations or general representations of these...

  • Phd On "hybrid-photonic Neural Networks On Chip"

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland TU Eindhoven Voltijd

    Job description:Research challengesYou will be working within the newly granted NWA ORC (Research along Routes by Consortia) "NL-ECO" project.See here for more information:Big consortium starts research into energy-efficient information technology ). Within this extensive project framework, we will focus on combining mapping photonics neural networks on IMOS...

  • PhD position on InP photonic devices and circuits directly grown on Si

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job description Photonics is widely regarded as the key enabling technology of the 21st century and its application and use in many scientific and industrial fields is accelerated through Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic ICs, PICs are revolutionizing areas...

  • Two Phd Positions On Ultra-reliable Intra-aircraft

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland TU Eindhoven Voltijd

    Job description:At the Advanced Networking Lab and Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven of the TU/e we have two open PhD positions in the context of the recently granted Advanced Electrical Wiring project. This project, led by Fokker Elmo, is part of the large Dutch National Growth Fund project Aerospace in Transition.The project aims at developing...

  • PhD position on alkaline water electrolysis

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job description Research group At the Sustainable Process Engineering group, we focus on the improvement of two water electrolysis techniques, namely Alkaline and Anion-exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis. Both of these technologies have the advantage of having a much smaller dependence on scarce noble and rare earth materials than competing...

  • Senior Software Engineer C++

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Sioux Technologies Voltijd

    You get energy from pushing technological boundaries and constantly improving high-tech equipment. You love to play a vital role in the quality of advanced modules, systems, and machines, that are the result of integrated multidisciplinary hardware and software. At Sioux Technologies, we develop and build complex high-tech products, often at the limit of...

  • PhD on Trustworthy and Secure AI with Focus on OOD Detection

    1 week geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Eindhoven University of Technology Voltijd

    Job description We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to develop novel ideas to establish trust in deep learning models. Trustworthy AI is a major topic in machine learning, which is illustrated by the increasing number of initiatives to enforce AI systems to be more trustworthy. Although machine learning models typically perform well on input...

  • R&D Project Manager AI

    1 maand geleden

    Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Nederland Signify Netherlands B.V. Voltijd

    We're looking for an R&D Project Manager AI & Sensing to join our Research Project Management Office (PMO) team in Eindhoven.Working for Signify means being creative and adaptive. Our culture of continuous learning and commitment to diversity and inclusion creates an environment that allows you to build your skills and career. Together, we're transforming...