UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1, Temporary 1 year. Closes 29/9/23

UCD Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 (PD1) temporary one year post.

Temporary one year post, up to 30th November 2024.
Project Title: Society, Social Media and AI Recommender Systems.
Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 29th of September 2023.

Applications are invited for a Temporary post of a Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 within UCD School of Information and Communication Studies.

AI-driven recommendation algorithms such as those embedded in Instagram, YouTube and TikTok are profoundly influential in society. While they can be beneficial, there is mounting evidence that some online content can present risk, particularly for young people. This project aims to provide a solution to detect potential risks in what kind of content may be distributed to people online in the context of the new Digital Services Act (DSA) and Online Safety Bill.
 
The project aims to develop a large-scale simulation platform for recommendation algorithms to enable the evaluation of trends in what content is being suggested to different users. The simulation environment will be integrated within a user interface designed for platform regulators, researchers and industry. Sample profiles of users and different ways of interacting online can be generated and interaction with the recommendation algorithm simulated. The output of the algorithms, and the recommended content will be categorised and trends compiled in an interpretable report which will make visible what kind of content is being recommended to different user groups online. This will allow the identification of both items of harmful content and also potentially harmful content distribution trends. In this way, risks to populations, particularly to vulnerable groups may be identified before the negative consequences are evident in society.
 
This role will involve understanding the emergent digital policies on a national and EU level. It will also involve identifying the kinds of online content that may present risk and what groups are particularly vulnerable and advising on how this content can be automatically identified. Depending on this candidate’s experience, this project could be approached from a social science or technical perspective. It will involve working in a team in a cross-disciplinary environment involving digital policy, social science and artificial intelligence.
This is a research focused 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.
 
Post-doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 (Name of the scale) Salary Scale:  €42,033 - €48,427 per annum
Appointment on the above range will be dependent upon qualifications and experience.
 
Closing date: 17:00hrs (local Irish time) on 29th of September 2023.
 
Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 17:00hrs (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications. UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.
 
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.

Further details and to apply: www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs