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Hiring experienced researcher with a dual background in Social Sciences and AI

Sciences Po médialab is hiring an outstanding experienced researcher with a dual background in social sciences and AI (4 years contract jointly with Sorbonne Université).

Annonce, Emploi

Date limite :

  • Contact: jean-philippe.cointet@sciencespo.fr
  • Contact: nicolas.maudet@lip6.fr

The project

Deliberative processes are often seen as a possible remedy to reconcile citizens with democracy. However this promise falls short when facing issues such a unbalanced participation, the cost of organizing large-scale consultations, etc. While the prospect of AI-enhanced deliberative and collective decision-making processes has not yet fully materialised, the emergence of large language models is sometimes perceived as a chance to enlarge participation, facilitate deliberation, suggesting common grounds, or deducing unvoiced preferences. 

Conversely, the use of AI technologies in such sensitive settings also pose risks through the inherent biases in their responses and potential exploitation for manipulating decisions, which call into question fundamental assumptions of classical frameworks. 

The aim of this project is thus to explore how AI systems can enhance deliberation and improve collective decision-making, in order to promote fair and collectively acceptable policies.

Teaching activities

The selected candidate will also be required to teach in both institutions (exact teaching load to be negotiated). Teaching at Sorbonne Université will be mostly AI-oriented for students with a scientific background. Teaching at SciencesPo will be mostly focused on different area of political and/or sociological studies in relation to AI. 

We also intend to propose original pedagogical units at the interface of our two institutions, and the candidate will be instrumental in coordinating these efforts. This could involve for instance the co-design of AI systems by SciencesPo and SU students as part of mutual projects, or optional teaching units.

Experiences and skills required

We are looking for an outstanding experienced candidate who meets the following criteria:

  • Dual background in social or human sciences and artificial intelligence. 
  • Holds a PhD in one of the following fields: 
    • Computer science
    • Machine learning (ML)
    • Applied mathematics
    • Sociology
    • Political science
    • Philosophy
  • Demonstrates solid experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly at the intersection of the above disciplines.

Work environment in Sciences Po

  • Remote work possible 1 to 2 days per week
  • 40 paid leave days per year, plus 5 additional RTT days
  • Comprehensive health and family insurance coverage (mutuelle and prévoyance)
  • 55% reimbursement of public transportation costs and/or sustainable mobility allowance (up to €475/year)
  • Meal vouchers

The successful candidate will join Sciences Po médialab, located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.The position is a 4-year lectureship: two years at the médialab (Sciences Po), followed or preceded by two years at LIP6 (Sorbonne Université).

To apply

Candidates should send a CV, a motivation letter, and the contact details of two potential referees.

 Please send your application by November 15 to:

Specifying “AI4AD Lecturer application” in the subject.