UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level1- AI in Irish Banking: Ethics, Risk & Responsibility

UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, School of Information & Communication Studies, temporary 14 months.

Applications are invited for a temporary post of a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Information and Communication Studies.
Project title: AI in Irish Banking: Ethics, Risk and Responsibility

Apply & further details: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/

Job ref: 018464

Position summary:
The UCD Digital Policy Survey (2023) in Ireland highlights that public awareness of algorithmic decision-making in banking is low, with concerns around sharing banking data in relation to potential breaches, safeguarding financial data, and misuse of personal information. In the context of the AI Act and the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence (HLEG-AI), this project aims to evaluate the risk levels and governance of AI in Irish banking, and evaluate the ethical and inclusion issues that may arise, and for whom.

This postdoc will contribute to the research agenda of the Transparent Digital Governance (TDG) research team within the ADAPT Research Ireland centre. TDG is one of three strands of research within the ADAPT research centre
whose goal is to develop trustworthy and human Centric AI informed by ethical principles, fundamental rights and
social values. The centre includes graduate and postgraduate researchers from across 8 Irish universities in computer science, design, social science, philosophy and law. The centre, and this position, is funded by Research Ireland.

This is an academic research role, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research
training and development under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.
The primary purpose of the role is to further develop your research skills and competences, including the processes
of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications, the development of funding proposals, the mentorship of
graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research-led teaching.

The postdoc will be located with other postgraduate researchers and staff working on externally funded research projects in the School of Information and Communication Studies at University College Dublin and have access to ADAPT resources and support across the partner universities.

In addition to the Principal Duties and Responsibilities listed below, the successful candidate will also carry out the
following duties specific to this project:
● Conduct case studies of one pillar bank and one neobank using digital methods,
● Conduct qualitative expert interviews and thematic data analysis,
● Conduct a survey of customers and statistical analysis of the data gathered.
● Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the ADAPT research centre and the School of Information and Communication Studies.
● Participate in at least two Education and Public Engagement initiatives within Ireland with the general public and related to the research topic.
● Help to organise ADAPT and School research meetings, workshops and seminars.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
● Conduct a specified programme of research and scholarship under the supervision and direction of your Principal Investigator
● Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by your Principal Investigator, your School or Institute, or the University.
● Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research at international professional and academic conferences in which you are engaged as directed by and with the support of and under the supervision of your Principal Investigator.
● Collaborate on European and national research proposals for future research funding
● Mentor and assist, as appropriate and as directed, the research graduate students in your School.
● Carry out administrative work associated with your programme of research.
● Willingness to travel in Ireland to conduct research and public outreach
● Give one research seminar in the Centre and/or School

Fixed Salary: €45,847
Details on eligibility to compete and pension information is available at
https://www.ucd.ie/hr/resourcingeligibilitytocompete
UCD is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is afforded equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from everyone, including those who identify with any of the
protected characteristics that are set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy. Learn more about Diversity
at https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/diversity/
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to any applicant during the interview process who discloses they have
a disability or are neurodiverse.

Selection Criteria:
Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would
need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. Applications will be assessed on the
basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Mantory:
● PhD in Sociology with particular knowledge expertise in Economic Sociology, Sociology of money and political economy of digital media (candidates who have submitted for examination will be considered)
● A BA or MA in Communication Studies with a focus on digital media,
● Experience using both qualitative and quantitative research methods
● Experience using digital methods including the app walkthrough method
● Experience of applying for academic research ethics
● A demonstrated commitment to research and publications
● An understanding of the operational requirements for a successful research project
● Evidence of research activity (publications, conference presentations) and future scholarly output (publications, conferences planned, research proposals).
● Excellent Communication Skills in English (Oral, Written, Presentation etc)
● Excellent Organisational and Administrative skills including a proven ability to work to deadlines
● Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion agenda.
● Candidates must have Interdisciplinary research collaboration experience, especially with computer scientists.

The PD1 position is intended for early stage researchers, either just after completion of a PhD or for someone
entering a new area for the first time. If you have already completed your PD1 stage in UCD or will soon complete a
PD1, or you are an external applicant whose total Postdoctoral experience, inclusive of the duration of the
advertised post, would exceed 4 years, you should not apply and should refer to PD2 posts instead.

Desirable:

● Experience researching digital banking, digital money, credit unions, neobanks, virtual money.
● Knowledge of the Irish banking sector.
● Knowledge of AI and of the AI Act
● Experience in setting own research agenda
● Experience writing a research funding application.
● Public speaking experience, especially to non academic publics
● Experience in exhibition and festival planning and organisation.
● Ability to speak at least one other language, apart from English.

Informal Enquiries ONLY to: Professor (opens in a new window)aphra.kerr@ucd.ie

Apply & further details: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/