PhD in Ethics of AI

2 PhD-Positions: Ethics of AI and Theoretical Philosophy of AI 

Position:

The Centre for Philosophy and AI Research {PAIR} at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU, est. 1743) offers two positions for PhD students (www.pair.fau.de).

Employment can start in October 2026 or earlier. The contracts are for three years.

The PhD students will be supervised by the Director, Prof. Vincent C. Müller, and a Research Fellow at PAIR. They benefit from an excellent research environment and a well-organised support structure.

We are looking for a candidate with clear intellectual and academic excellence, capable of good teamwork, with an international outlook, and good English proficiency. The specific topic of the PhD will be developed in year one, but at the moment, we think that some fruitful areas of research may include: agency, intention, perception, limits of machine-learning, AI in education & research, AI and philosophical method, well-being, and human rights. Some organisational or teaching work for the Centre is assumed (ca. 15%). Employees are expected to reside in the region and to work on-site at PAIR during the semester time most of the week.

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). PAIR has a dozen researchers as well as support staff for administration and IT. PAIR is currently funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the University, and further 3rd party research funding (DFG, BMBF, EU, RCN, etc.). PAIR’s vision is to set the agenda in the philosophy and ethics of AI through publications, events, structures, and visible activities. We edit the journal “Philosophy of AI” and organise the Society for the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (PhAI). Our work is philosophy, in cooperation with cognitive sciences, social sciences, and computer science. We offer a lively and modern workplace in the centre of beautiful Erlangen, though we also hold writing retreats and other events elsewhere. The working language at PAIR is English.

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 underrepresented groups, promotes an inclusive culture and values diversity. FAU is a family-friendly employer.

Benefits:

Salary at level TV-L E13, 65% (currently starting at ca. €38.000/year, before tax). The employment includes social security benefits, health insurance (1/2 employer, 1/2 employee), pension, sick pay, etc.

Our current rules foresee 2600 per PhD student per year in travel expenses. There is funding for the organisation of events and for inviting people to PAIR. There is a bonus for finishing on time and there is seed funding for applying for postdoctoral funding.

Requirements:

Masters degree in philosophy or a closely related discipline, by the time of appointment. 

We do not require that applicants already have a visa & work permit for the EU/Germany.

Application:

Applications via e-mail to [email protected], with subject “PAIR PhD: Application“, with a single PDF that includes: 

• motivation letter (1-2 pages) 

• 2–4 page outline of a proposed PhD-project (including references)

• CV 

• contact information for 2 referees

Questions?

Targeted inquiries can be made via [email protected] with the subject line “PAIR PhD: Inquiry”. 

Deadline 

6 March 2026; interviews will be held shortly after; decisions are intended to be made by the 15th of April.