Umeå University, Department of Computing Science

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

Umeå University, the Department of Computing Science, is recruiting a research engineer to the Socially Aware Artificial Intelligence group. Deadline for application is November 25, 2019.

The Department of Computing Science is a dynamic environment with around 120 employees representing more than 20 countries worldwide. The Socially Aware Artificial Intelligence group (led by prof. Frank Dignum) conducts research into AI systems that start from the premise that AI is used in social contexts and should be aware of the social consequences of its behaviour. For this purpose the group investigates (formal) models of social concepts and their implementation in AI systems ranging from social robots to social simulations and multi-agent systems. The group collaborates with several national and international research groups, and has active links with industry and policy organisations For more information on Frank Dignum see http://people.cs.umu.se/dignum.

Work description
The research engineer will support building a social simulation platform that is directed to facilitating the interaction between the stakeholders and users of the system. This platform is part of the goal of a bigger project that aims to generate tools for socially aware AI systems. Thus the engineer has two main tasks. First, the engineer needs to support the generation of generic code implementing all the social concepts and their relations (defined by the other researchers in the project) in a social simulation platform that supports run time adjustments of interpretations of the concepts. Secondly the engineer should take the lead in creating a truly interactive interface for the platform using some graphical and possibly touch screen device.

Qualifications
The engineer should have a master degree in a relevant area and have experience in programming in one or more of the following languages: Java, C++, C#, Python. Preferably the engineer should also have experience with the use of social simulation platforms. Having worked in a larger research project is a strong merit.

Since research is conducted in an international research environment, the ability to collaborate and contribute to teamwork, and a very good command of the English language, both written and spoken, are key requirements.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

  • A cover letter including your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
  • Documentation of experience of social simulation platforms and / or large research projects
  • Contact information for two persons willing to act as references

The application should preferably be written in English or Swedish. Documents must be in Word or pdf format. Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system of Umeå University, and be received no later than November 25, 2019. Reference number: AN 2.2.1-1649-19.

The recruitment aims at a balanced gender distribution, and in particular women are encouraged to apply.

For additional information, please contact professor Frank Dignum, dignum@cs.umu.se.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1649-19
Contact
  • Frank Dignum, professor , dignum@cs.umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 31.Oct.2019
Last application date 25.Nov.2019 11:59 PM CET

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