Research Assistant on Ethical Web and Data Architectures
Posted: 2nd December 2022
Department of Computer Science, Parks Road, Oxford
Research Assistant on Ethical Web and Data Architectures
Fixed-term contract until 30 November 2024 starting from 1 April 2023
Grade 7: Salaries in the range of £34,308 - £42,155 p.a. with the potential to under-fill at Grade 6 with salaries in the range of £30,502 - £36,386 p.a.
We are looking for a researcher to work on the project of Ethical Web and Data Architectures in the Age of AI (EWADA) under the supervision of Professors Sir Nigel Shadbolt and Sir Tim Berners-Lee. The aim of the project is to rebalance the concentration of power on the Web by developing and deploying new forms of technical and institutional infrastructure. A key objective is to investigate novel decentralisation architectures such as SOLID and privacy-preserving AI methods and define new institutional and legal constructs that are required in this transformative approach we term “architectures for autonomy”.
As a researcher on this project, you will be expected to lead the design and development socio-technical components within the EWADA project, including working within our technical team contributing to the Social Linked Data OS (SOLID OS). You will work collaboratively with the PIs and other members of the research team on the project, as well as independently leading and developing their own body of research in line with the project’s aims. The post holder will be a member of the Human Centred Computing theme within the Department of Computer Science. The research group carries out world leading research relating to Human Computer Interaction, Human Centred AI, responsible innovation, and ethical data infrastructures. More information on Human Centred Computing can be found here: https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/research/HCC/.
The successful candidate will hold or be close to obtaining a PhD in Computer Science, AI and Ethics or related discipline. You will have the knowledge of techniques and methods for AI Fairness and Explainability, and Interaction Design, and an awareness of approaches to data governance, data and AI ethics. You are expected to have experiences with using human-centred studies in the lab or field, with qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and be willing to collaborate with others and work effectively as a member of a team. Excellent communication skills are also required, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.
This post is a full time, fixed term contract until 30 November 2024.
All applicants must complete an application form and submit a CV and supporting statement.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 27 January 2023. Interviews are expected to be held in February.
We are a Stonewall Top 100 Employer, Living Wage and Mindful Employer, holding an Athena Swan Bronze Award, HR excellence in Research and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award.
Our staff and students come from all over the world and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diversity groups and champions, for example http://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/aboutus/women-cs-oxford/index.html , as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example shared parental leave.
Demonstrating a commitment to provide equality of opportunity. We would particularly welcome applications from women and black and minority ethnic applicants who are currently under-represented within the Computer Science Department. All applicants will be judged on merit, according to the selection criteria.
For further details and to apply please visit: