We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a profile in information law to do research into the legal and ethical aspects of synthetic data and use of synthetic data for policy simulations. Your research will be part of “WHAT-IF”, a European Horizon research project. “WHAT-IF” is an international, interdisciplinary consortium with the goal of creating a ‘digital twin’ of the (social) media environment, in order to test possible interventions at the individual and/or societal level. The empirical core of the project is formed by a combination of individual level data donation of (social) media usage, which will be used to train and validate a LLM-based simulation. Then, this will be used to develop and test possible interventions to problems like tackling the spread of mis- and disinformation, deepfakes or hate speech. Using synthetic data in policy simulations raises, among others, a host of important legal and ethical questions.

To help addressing these legal and ethical questions, we are looking for a postdoc with several years of experience in doing interdisciplinary research in information law, and more specifically media law , platform governance, the legal aspects of disinformation, political targeting and synthetic data. Your role will be to help manage and conduct research within the legal work package, in close cooperation with the other work packages. More specifically, the objective of the legal work package is to develop a theoretical framework on the role evidence produced through simulations can play in platform and media governance, and to define the conditions that need to be in place for simulations to inform platform and media governance. You will also actively help building the international consortium and cooperation across work packages.

The position will be embedded in the AI, Media & Democracy Lab and the Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam. There is the possibility to expand your position from a 0.8 to 1 FTE position by contributing to some research and teaching activities within the lab and the Institute for Information Law.

What are you going to do

Job Description/Tasks include:

• Develop, conduct, and publish research on the legal and ethical aspects of the use of synthetic data for policy simulations, and present research on (inter)national conferences.
• Helping to develop and test the overall WHAT-IF simulation environment, in cooperation with an interdisciplinary team.
• Contribute to the public debate and organise activities as part of the WHAT-IF consortium, the AIMD and the Institute for Information Law.
• Contribute to events, research meetings, and grant applications.

What do you have to offer

• A clear research interest in the topic of the project (documented by publications and grant applications).
• An excellent written and spoken command of English, as demonstrated by publications in English-language journals (written and spoken command of other languages, including French, German and/or Dutch is a plus).
• The ability, willingness, and commitment to do autonomous work in a multidisciplinary team that includes legal scholars, communication scholars, digital humanities and computer scientists.
• Experience with organising workshops, lecture series, and similar events.
• A relevant PhD degree in Law. Candidates who are due to submit their dissertation before 1 January 2025 are welcome to apply.

If the vacancy appeals to you, but you are doubting whether you might be THE person we are looking for, please do apply. We encourage all qualified applicants, including minorities, women, people with disabilities, and members of other groups underrepresented in academia to apply. We are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, inclusiveness, equal opportunities with room for personal development.

Our offer
We offer a temporary part-time (30,4 hours) position for the period of 3 years. Possibilities to extend the scope of the contract through teaching and involvement in research activities at the Institute for Information Law can be explored. Preferred starting date is 1 January 2025.

The gross monthly salary based on full-time employment (38 hours per week) ranges from €4.492 up to a maximum of €6148 (salary scale 11). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year bonus. The starting salary will be based on qualifications, expertise and relevant experience. The profile Researcher 3 is applicable in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

What else do we offer

• a position where own initiative and input are highly valued;
• the ability to have an active part in setting up and shaping this new research center/initiative;
• an enthusiastic and dynamic team that is open to new colleagues;
• an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

With over 5,000 students and more than 500 staff members, the Amsterdam Law School is one of the larger law faculties in the Netherlands. We educate lawyers who know how to apply the law effectively with the aim of making a real contribution to solving social problems.

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.

The Institute for Information Law (IViR), officially established in 1989, is one of the largest research centers in the field of information law in the world. The Institute employs over 25 researchers who are active in an entire spectrum of information society related legal areas: intellectual property law, patents, telecommunications and broadcasting regulation, media law, Internet regulation, advertising law, domain names, freedom of expression, privacy, digital consumer issues, commercial speech, et cetera.

The AI, Media & Democracy Lab is a collaboration between the UvA’s Institute for Information Law and Amsterdam School of Communication Research, the CWI’s research groups Human-Centered Data Analytics, Distributed and Interactive Systems and Intelligent and Autonomous Systems and the HvA lectorates Responsible IT, Civic Interaction Design, Crossmedia, and Visual Methodologies. The AI, Media & Democracy Lab focuses on how AI and digital technology are transforming media and democracy. Our researchers tackle specific issues surrounding the use of AI in the media, such as ways to develop more people-oriented and diverse recommender systems, or the possible role of chatbots in news provision. In addition, they and the various partners in the lab think about what the media of tomorrow should look like. For more information about the lab, please find the website of the AI, Media and Democracy Lab here.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?
If you have any questions about the position, please contact:

• Prof. dr. Natali Helberger
  E: n.helberger@uva.nl

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving motivation letter and cv. You can apply online via the link below. We will accept applications until 15 November, 2024.

The first round of application interviews will take place online after mid-November 2024.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize 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.

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