Postdoc Investigating Human Sources of Bias in AI Face Classification Models

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Postdoc Investigating Human Sources of Bias in AI Face Classification Models

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Job description

Offer DescriptionHow are human ideologies and prejudices amplified by AI models? How do human biases get into AI model training data? And how does the output of such models influence the decisions and behaviors of users? Given the world’s increasing reliance on AI for decision making, it is crucial to understand the role of AI models in propagate human ideologies and prejudices.Join us!
We seek a postdoctoral scientist for a project investigating human sources of algorithmic bias at the University of Amsterdam Department of Psychology. The goal of this project is to trace the effect of human ideology and prejudice into AI models of face classification-from human annotators to training data, to model output, and to end users. This is a one-year position, though it may be possible to apply for funding to extend the position.The ideal candidate is someone with training and experience at the intersection of Psychology and Data Science. The candidate should be highly proficient with Python and R, and preferably also Javascript. Ideally, they also have expertise in experimental research (e.g., in some aspect of social cognition) and an interest in social justice issues.The postdoc will work collaboratively with the PIs and other lab members, which include PhD students, postdocs, and MA students. The postdoc will also join a vibrant and diverse research community at the University of Amsterdam. As part of this community, they will participate in program meetings and colloquia as well as social events. Although situated in the Social Psychology Program, they will be able to engage with several other relevant research groups, including those focusing on Cognitive AI and Political Communication.What are you going to do
The postdoc will be involved in all aspects of this project, working in close collaboration with PIs Amodio and Schuck and other members of their team. Tasks will include:

• The design and collection of human annotator labels of faces images;
• Training image classification models to classify faces on the basis of identity and other features;
• The design and administration of social cognition experiments to examine effects of model outputs on human social judgments and decisions;
• Working with similar existing datasets;
• Presentation of our findings at scientific meetings;
• The writing of manuscripts that report our results.

What do you have to offer
You have:

• A PhD in psychology, communication science, data science, or computer science (or a related discipline), or an expected PhD in one of these areas prior to the start date;
• Demonstrated interest in research on the intersection of society and AI, preferably as it relates to forms of algorithmic bias;
• Experience with machine learning or computational modeling;
• Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency with Python and R (and ideally also Javascript);
• Preferably, experience with research in (or related to) experimental social cognition;
• The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team;
• Experience communicating your work in the form of publications and conference presentations;
• Plans to continue in academia (e.g., plans to continue as a postdoc or assistant professor).

What else do we offer you
For contracts that possibly can be permanent: If you prove to be a good fit and financial and organizational circumstances remain unchanged, the contract will be converted into a permanent employment agreement.This is a temporary employment contract for 32 – 38 hours per week, for the duration of 12 months. The position can begin as early as May 1, 2025, although the start date is negotiable and could be as late as August 1, 2025.You will work in this department
This postdoc position is in the University of Amsterdam’s Psychology Department, within the Social Psychology program. The Psychology Department, located near the Amsterdam city center, one of the largest and most highly ranked in Europe. The Social Psychology program includes a vibrant and diverse group of scientists who broadly study how social contexts influence human behavior. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to engage with other relevant groups and meetings (e.g., the Cognitive AI group) and with colleagues at the Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR) and the Political Communication & Journalism research group at the Department of Communication.To apply, please submit a motivation letter (a 1-2 page cover letter describing your goals, preparation, and suitability for this position), contact information for at least three references (included in the motivation letter), and your CV via the red application submission button latest on May 15th. Review of applications will begin April 15, but applications will be considered until the position is filled.For questions about the vacancy, please contact:

• David Amodio

or * Andreas SchuckWhere to apply WebsiteRequirementsAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute UvA Country Netherlands City Amsterdam Postal Code 1018WV Street Nieuwe Achtergracht 166 GeofieldContact CityAmsterdam WebsiteStreetSpui 21 Postal Code1012 WXSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Job date

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 23:55:13 GMT

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