Applications are invited for a funded PhD in the area of machine ethics, in the School of Computer Science, at University College Dublin (UCD).
Description of Research
There are many attempts being made to create AI with ethics embedded in them, however there is no consensus on what mechanism would be the most appropriate (evolutionary programming, machine learning, deep learning, multi-agent systems, game theory, bayesian networks, etc.). There is also no consensus on the type of ethics (virtue ethics, deontological ethics, utilitarian ethics, etc.) that can/should be embedded into a machine. The PhD candidate would investigate techniques that can be used to reliably create AI that can be trusted to act in an ethical manner.
Note: The PhD expects an interdisciplinary focus. Hence, the candidate is expected to be conversant with computer science techniques, and willing to engage with philosophy/law/social sciences.
Fees/Financials
The PhD position comes with a tax-free scholarship of 16,000€/year, plus payment of Ph.D. fees, and an allowance of 1,000€ for a PC. The Scholarships will run for up to 4 years, conditional to satisfactory progress, to be evaluated before the end of year 2.
Deadline for Application: 16-June-2019
Conditions
As part of the PhD funding, the student will normally be expected to serve as Teaching Assistant in the BDIC programme, in Beijing, China. Alternatively, in agreement with the supervisor, the student may serve as a Research Assistant/Teaching Assistant within the School of Computer Science for up to 9 hours/week during teaching terms.
Requirements
Candidates must have a first class or upper second-class honours primary degree, or equivalent.
Contact
Send an email along with the following attachments to vivek.nallur@ucd.ie
- A research statement (~1000 words) about the technique you wish to experiment with, and the philosophical theory being targetted
- CV
- Transcript of your highest educational degree