The PhilTech Research Center for the Philosophy of Technology within the Department of Philosophy at the University of Milan has an opening for a 2-year postdoctoral position within the Project Techne. Philosophy, sciences, technologies, funded by the “Department of Excellence 2023-2027–Scheme of the Ministry of Universities and Research”.
The researcher will be part of the cluster Towards Decolonial Artificial Intelligence, led by prof. Maria Sapignoli and prof. Giuseppe Primiero.
Expected starting date: 1 October 2024
How to apply: please find application details at the following page https://www.unimi.it/it/ricerca/ricerca-lastatale/fare-ricerca-da-noi/assegni-e-bor[…]andi-assegni-di-ricerca/bando-di-tipo-b-prof-sapignoli-id-6819
Call In Italian at https://www.unimi.it/it/media/69541/download
Call in English at https://www.unimi.it/it/media/69555/download
Deadline: 06-09-24 23:59
Project Description: The project Towards Decolonial Artificial Intelligence focuses on new philosophical, ethical and socio-anthropological – as well as technological – consequences of the development and use of AI systems. It specifically investigates the conditions under which a given artificial intelligence system can be adopted while respecting ethical, social and cultural principles specific to the context of application. The project will employ an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from social anthropology, critical race theory, feminist theory, postcolonial studies, indigenous epistemologies, and considers its contribution towards system modelling and formal design and verification. The research activities will focus on exploring the principles, methodologies, and implications of AI systems through empirical analyses of case studies where AI has impacted on ethnicity, gender, class, and other axes of marginalization, while investigating the pathways for de-centering and decolonizing these socio-technical assemblages. The researcher will examine how the promotion of culturally diverse values across core AI systems, and the social world in which AI is produced, could lead to more responsible and equitable outcomes for marginalized and vulnerable groups. A critical element will be the development of accountability methods through the formulation of policies and technical tools to verify under which conditions a given AI system has been sufficiently decolonized. For a full description of the position click on this link.
Candidate Description: Candidates for this position should have a robust background preferably encompassing multiple disciplines such as artificial intelligence, computer science, sociology, social anthropology, cultural studies, philosophy; acquired through a Master and/or a PhD in any of the relevant subject. A completed PhD (or proof of submission) is highly desirable. Candidates with expertise spanning both social sciences/humanities and computer sciences will be highly valued. Familiarity with AI research and frameworks, particularly those relevant to postcolonial studies, and proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, with experience conducting empirical studies and analysing data, are a definite plus. There are no teaching duties attached to the post, and proficiency in Italian is not required.
Please address informal enquiries to maria.sapignoli@unimi.it