PhD Student (Philosophy or Ethics of AI) (EXPIRED)

- Environment
The Centre for Philosophy and AI Research (PAIR) was founded in 2022 with support from a prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Professorship for Vincent C. Müller at the Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU, est. 1743). In addition to the AvH Foundation, PAIR is funded by the University, and 3rd party research funding. PAIR aims to be one of the internationally leading institutions for fundamental issues of AI, both normative (ethical) and descriptive (theoretical): “What is AI, what can AI be, what should AI be?" Our vision is to help set the agenda in the philosophy and ethics of AI, through publications, events, structures, and visible activities. This research will generate intellectual progress that can have a deep impact towards a better society. Our work involves excellent people with a background in philosophy, cognitive sciences, social sciences and computer science. We offer a stimulating, supportive and pleasant research environment – situated in a lively and modern workplace in the centre of beautiful Erlangen. The working language at PAIR is English.

Membership of PAIR includes a director, a director of research, post-doc research fellows, PhD students, visiting fellows, and affiliated FAU faculty. We will also have associates (external to FAU), sponsors, interns, friends, and an Advisory Committee.

- Tasks
The successful candidates are expected to pursue a PhD project within the philosophy or ethics of AI. For an indicative list of topics we are interested in, have a look at https://www.pair.fau.eu/research/. The PhD students will be supported and supervised by the Director and a dedicated Research Fellow. Academic excellence is assumed, as are teamwork, an international outlook and good English proficiency. PhD students are expected to be mostly working on-site at PAIR.

- Benefits
Salary at level TV-L E13, 65% (currently starting at ca. €33.000/year, before tax). The employment includes social security benefits, health insurance (1/2 employer, 1/2 employee), pension, sick pay, etc. There is funding for travel to conferences and for the organization of events.

The appointment is for three years. Part-time employment is a possibility.

Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. In its pursuit of academic excellence, FAU is committed to equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach, which supports and encourages all under-represented groups, promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity. FAU is a family-friendly employer.

- Requirements
Masters degree in a relevant field, by the time of appointment.
We do not require that applicants already have a visa & work permit for the EU/Germany.