PhD Topic (Computer Science): Open Governance of Professional Knowledge Data Spaces – Reference HARNESS-DC13
Objectives: The Doctoral Candidate will investigate novel models for the collective governance of Data Spaces in Professional Knowledge domains. Recent advances in large language models and generative AI raise profound questions about the future directions of knowledge-based professions such as engineering, law and medicine. This research position will examine how digital forms of professional knowledge such as textbooks, articles, professional exams, continuous professional training and on-the-job AI prompts and their refinements are used to improve generative AI. It will explore how digital rights over such AI-improving professional knowledge can be governed when pooled between the universities and professional bodies that typically generate them. The research will aim to demonstrate how open machine-readable digital rights policy languages for data space governance models allows digitised professional knowledge to advance Generative AI usefulness while protecting professionals’ rights, enabling responsible professional practice and building public confidence in future AI-assisted professions. It aims to inform policy on future collective governance mechanisms for generative AI using provisions of the EU Data Governance Act, such as those that enable data trusts, cooperatives or unions.
The role involves planned secondments at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (4 months in Brussels, legal investigation of AI regulation) and EC Joint Research Centre (3 months planned in Ispra, research into AI policy making)
HARNESS is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, which is an international, interdisciplinary and cross academic-industry training network Grant number: 101169409) hosted across Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Italy and Belgium) formed to train a new generation of 13 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) as PhD graduates in the disciplines of law, ethics or computer science with the common goal of researching methods and tools to make Integrated Assessments of risks and impacts for current Data intensive and AI technologies.
HARNESS Doctoral Candidates will receive training to enable them to integrate and apply arguments, analyses and tools from across the fields of artificial intelligence, law and ethics, so that they can excel in research and data science careers within digital services industry and public policy sectors.
The DCs will receive a strongly multidisciplinary training programme, bringing together world-class researchers in Artificial Intelligence, Law and Ethics to offer an excellent structured research programme operating at the critical boundaries between these three fields. The research supervision and training for DCs is delivered by a network composed of the following world-class research groups and industry practitioners:
A further set of industry and other non-academic research partners will offer DCs a rich range of relevant industry experience through training secondments.
Skills and Qualifications: Applicants must normally have an excellent primary degree, and / or professional qualification, in a relevant discipline, from a reputable institution. In addition, PhD applicants should normally have an excellent Masters degree from a reputable institution. Must meet TCD University requirements at: https://www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admissionrequirements/postgraduate/
Specific Requirements: An interest in the impact of generative AI on knowledge work in general and academic research in particular. An interest in the ethical and regulatory aspects of AI deployment. Some experience in web application development and semantic web technologies (preferred)
In addition, HARNESS PhD students must demonstrate: An ability to collaborate with international research teams in the English language. An enthusiasm for working on multidisciplinary research problems, including research collaboration and publication across disciplinary boundaries.
Required Languages: Doctoral studies in TCD require ‘Band C (Higher entry)’ as detailed at: https://www.tcd.ie/study/english-language-requirements/
Eligibility Criteria: All researchers recruited must be Doctoral Candidates. Must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment Can be of any nationality Should be enrolled in a doctoral programme during the project Should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account. Researchers are required to undertake physical, transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment.
Selection Process: Apply via the provided link, including the following: A completed HARNESS eligibility form A covering letter explaining why the candidate wants the position and what qualifies them for it. A CV Attached document or links to documents providing a max of 3 examples of work demonstrating prior achievement in research, enquiry or debate, e.g. publish paper or other work; software, standards or policy contribution; dissertation or masters thesis.
HARNESS pursues a policy of equal opportunities on matters of gender and disability and will seek to recruit an equal proportion of male and female applicants and will provide employment opportunities for candidates with disabilities. Employment procedures and contracts will conform to the European Charter for Researchers / Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Additional Comments: For informal enquires on this role contact Prof Dave Lewis at [email protected] More details about the HARNESS project and other roles available can be found at https://harness-network.eu/jobs.html
