The Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn is an international research university that offers a wide range of degree programs. With 200 years of history, about 35,000 students, over 6.000 employees, and an excellent domestic and international reputation, Bonn University is among Germany’s leading universities and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.
The Center for Science and Thought (CST) is an interdisciplinary platform designed to address urgent questions that arise at the intersection of philosophy and various natural and technical sciences.
Starting at earliest possible convenience and limited until 28/02/2026, the CST is seeking a
Postdoc Research Associate (100%)
to work on the KI.NRW-flagship project “Zertifizierte KI” (Certified AI). Together with its project partners, the team of the CST is researching test methods for the certification of trustworthy artificial intelligence systems. The aim of the overall project is to develop procedures to examine generally accepted standards for AI systems and their verification, as well as to explore business models for an AI certification. To this end, interlinked catalogs of requirements with technical, legal and ethical-philosophical criteria are formulated. The theoretical basis for this is provided by a social ontology of AI. The double autonomy of AI and the applied concept of intelligence constitute a special research focus. In order to make this philosophical basis operationalizable in the certification's context, use cases of AI applications have been analyzed and categorized according to ethically relevant parameters.
Your responsibilities:
- Working on project deliverables and milestones,
- Formulate minimal, quantifiable ethical requirements for the use of AI systems,
- Philosophical critique of current approaches in AI development,
- Production of high-quality publications,
- Organisation of conferences and workshops,
- Assisting with administrative tasks.
Your qualifications:
- PhD in philosophy or a connected field,
- At least one of the following areas of expertise: ethics / philosophy of artificial intelligence, applied ethics of technology, philosophy of technology, philosophy of computer science, philosophy of mind, social ontology, philosophy of cognitive science, feminist philosophy, philosophy of law, machine learning, algorithms and data structure, design of algorithms, computational complexity, IT law, IT policy,
- A record of producing high-quality research as evidenced by publications,
- Excellent command of spoken and written English, desired: working proficiency in German,
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
We offer:
- The opportunity to work on a research subject with high topicality,
- A varied and challenging position with one of the biggest employers in the area in an international, interdisciplinary research environment,
- Participation in the university-wide pension system (VBL),
- Access to the extensive university sports programme,
- An excellent transport infrastructure with subsidized travel for university employees,
- A salary based on the German 13 TV-L scale.
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. It aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers in particular. It therefore urges women with relevant qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable individuals with a certified serious disability and those of equal status are particularly welcome.
If you are interested in filling this position, please send your complete application documents (1. letter of intent, 2. CV including a full publication list, 3. a short research proposal of your contribution to the project (1000 words), 4. academic writing sample (journal article, book chapter)) by 30.9.2023, 23:59h to cst@uni-bonn.de with the application code 83/23/3.202. Before sending your application, please combine and convert all of your documents into a single PDF file.
Further information about the project can be found under: https://www.cst.uni-bonn.de/en/research/certified-ai. For questions please contact Dr. Julia Maria Mönig (Phone +49 228/73-54017; moenig@uni-bonn.de).
