Whether it's grocery shopping or dating, managing our work life, finding out about (possible) future diseases, or streaming a show on Netflix; artificial intelligence (AI) is changing our daily life.

What is the next step for AI? The interdisciplinary Erasmus Initiative 'Societal Impact of AI' aims for innovative research and education in AI that places society centre stage. Together with key stakeholders we will set the expectations for the use of AI that benefits society, bringing AI closer to the people. We focus on ensuring human augmentation with AI - AI that works in a manner consistent with the expectations of individual citizens and society.

To do so, we set the rules of engagement for the application of AI in key domains of our society, including work, media, health, and (urban) art. As a team, we address hot topics such as urban AI, deep fake, medical decision making, and digital placemaking and street art. We embrace a multidisciplinary and multimethod approach, including data science, citizen science, and living labs. We also create new opportunities for citizens, students, scholars and organisations to unlock their full potential with AI as co-worker and trusted advisor.

Your main tasks
As a fellow, you will get the unique opportunity to co-design our interdisciplinary Erasmus Initiative 'Societal Impact of AI'. You will have a leading role in setting up the research and teaching programmes and developing the societal network. Closely collaborating with your two co-fellows and mentored by top scholars from various disciplines, you are encouraged and supported to develop your own programme line. Together, we'll define the conditions for a successful track.

Are you curious and intrigued by the exciting developments of artificial intelligence in society? Are you motivated to shape the future of AI in society? Do you want to take a quantum leap into the future? Do you have what it takes to boost your programme line? Does building bridges between academic disciplines, science, society, research and education come naturally to you? Are you ready for the next step in your career? Are you excited and interested to become team member and put your knowledge and aspirations to work? Then please write a short vision statement describing how you would like to contribute to the Erasmus Initiative 'Societal Impact of AI'. We are very curious to find out about you, and your perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of AI in society - and how to address them.

What we expect from you:

• A clear and appealing vision of the future of ground-breaking research into the societal impact of AI.
• A PhD degree in social-behavioural sciences or humanities, for example, sociology, communication, law, economics, psychology, science or technology studies.
• A proven affinity with artificial intelligence.
• A demonstrable interdisciplinary and collaborative orientation.
• A demonstrable orientation toward societal impact.
• A spirit of team science and open science.

Your required competences

 

• An excellent track record in your field of expertise, as proven by international recognition and high-quality output (we support the DORA declaration).
• Experience in collaborations between social sciences and humanities, and computer sciences.
• Excellent research skills and a strong methodological profile.

Excellent oral and written command of English.

 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

We offer an interesting opportunity for early career high potentials, to develop yourself and your project skills. The position starts in January 2022.

Develop your own programme line, in collaboration with top talent peers and senior scholars from various disciplines.

• Participate in academic leadership programme; topics we will address include leadership style, creating impact, applying for grants, and building a community.
• Opportunity to obtain (senior) university teaching qualification.
• Mentorship from top senior scholars.
• Supervision of a PhD graduate student.
• Access to societal stakeholder network.
• A supportive, inspiring, collaborative and flexible working environment.
• A dynamic and inspiring urban environment in the bustling city of Rotterdam.

We offer competitive salary (VSNU Salary Scale 11), subject to training and experience of the candidate. See employment conditions below.

The conditions of employment correspond with the collective labour agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

Erasmus University Rotterdam has attractive employment conditions, which include a holiday allowance of 8 per cent, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3 per cent, and 41 vacation days (full-time). More information is available at https://www.eur.nl/en/working/eur-employer

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam is an internationally oriented university with a strong social orientation in its education and research. Our scientists and students work in close collaboration with internal and external parties to solve global, social challenges, inspired by the always dynamic and cosmopolitan Rotterdam. Our mission is therefore "Creating positive societal impact". Our academic education is intensive, active and application-oriented. Our research increasingly takes place in multidisciplinary teams, which are strongly intertwined with international networks. With our research impact and thanks to the high quality of education, EUR can compete with the top European universities. The Erasmian values function as our internal compass and make Erasmus University recognizable to the outside world: engaged with society, world citizen, connecting, entrepreneurial and open-minded. 

Above all, Erasmus University finds the development of her employees of great importance. With our career-development policies and several educational possibilities we support and stimulate you to actively shape your own career. All this combined with our attractive employment conditions is what makes Erasmus University an interesting employer for you.

 

Societal Impact of AI' (AiPact) is one of four spearhead initiatives of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. The Erasmus Initiatives streamline our academic activities to increase the social and economic impact of our work. The connection and interaction between science and society, between theory and practice, are part of our DNA. Talented researchers who enter into international collaborations with an open mind move science forward. The Erasmus Initiatives join forces for science that matters.

The Erasmus Initiative Societal Impact of AI (AiPact) is embedded in the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics (ECDA).