Emilia Gómez leads a novel research initiative inside the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, on the topic of machine learning and human behaviour. Music will be an important aspect and use case of the project.

In this context, three postdoc positions in the area of machine learning and human behavior are open for appointment from January 1, 2018, at the Joint Research Centre (European Commission) in Seville, Spain. The fully funded positions are available for a period of three years.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission's science and knowledge service which employs scientists to carry out research in order to provide independent scientific advice and support to EU policy. The JRC Centre for Advanced Studies (JRC-CAS) was established to enhance the JRC’s capabilities to meet emerging challenges at the science-policy interface. JRC-CAS is now launching a three year interdisciplinary project to understand the potential impact of machine learning in human behavior and societal welfare. It will be carried out at JRC centre in Seville, Spain. There will be close collaboration with the Music Technology Group and the Department of Information and Communication Technologies of Universitat Pompeu Fabra  in Barcelona, Spain.

The project will (1) provide a scientific understanding of machine vs human intelligence; (2) analyze the influence of machine learning algorithms into human behavior (3) identify issues that may require a policy intervention. Music will be an important use case in the project. We are looking for postdoctoral researchers to join this challenging endeavour.  

Particular areas of interests:

• Fairness, accountability, transparency, explainability of machine learning methods.

• Social, ethical and economic aspects of artificial intelligence.

• Human-computer interaction and human-centered machine learning.

• Digital and behavioural economy.

• Application domains: music, arts, transport, social networks, health, energy.

We are looking for highly motivated, independent, and outstanding postdoc candidates with a strong background in machine learning and/or human behavior. An excellent research track record, ability to communicate research results and involvement in community initiatives is expected. Candidates should have EU/EEA citizenship.

The JRC offers an enriching multi-cultural and multi-lingual work environment with lifelong learning and professional development opportunities, and close links to top research organizations and international bodies around the world. Postdoctoral researchers receive a competitive salary and excellent working conditions, and will define their own research agenda inline with the project goals.

JRC-Seville is located in Cartuja 93 scientific and technological park. Seville is the fourth-largest city in Spain. With more than 30 centuries of history (gateway of America for two centuries, main actor in the first circumnavigation of the Earth),  three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and privileged climate, it combines its historical and touristic character with a consolidated economic development and innovation potential.  

You may obtain further information about the scientific aspects of the Postdoc positions from Dr. Emilia Gómez (project scientific leader: [email protected]) and at the following web pages http://recruitment.jrc.ec.europa.eu/?site=SVQ&type=AX&category=FGIV and https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/working-with-us/jobs.

Please apply by October 26, 2017