Umeå University,

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.

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Research topic:
Implications of AI-Driven Contextual Communication
The department of Computing Science is seeking candidates for a PhD student position in Computer Science, with focus on AI-driven contextual communication.

Contextual communication consists in placing online messaging in relevant media contexts. The practice is not new in itself, but recent advances in media AI makes the practice viable at a global scale, and at the granularity of individual viewings. The most common instance is contextual advertising, where automatic trading systems buy advertising space and base their bids on information about the surrounding media context.

The PhD student will contribute to a multidisciplinary theory of AI-driven contextual communication. The project combines qualitative and quantitative methods and is conducted under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Johanna Björklund and Assoc. Prof. Sara Leckner. The student will receive education in machine learning, algorithm analysis, and empirical methods, as well as behavioural, communication and audience studies.

The Department of Computing Science is a dynamic environment with around 100 employees representing more than 20 countries worldwide. The student will be part of the research group for Foundations of Language Processing, which studies the theoretical and practical aspects of representing language on computers, and its interconnection with other sources of information. The group consists of 4 senior researchers and 7 PhD students who collaborate in varying constellations. The PhD student will also collaborate with the Media Technology group at the Department of Computer Science and Media Technology at Malmö university, which involves regular research visits. The interdisciplinary group consist of 6 senior researchers and 1 PhD student, focusing on the study and development of media production, platforms, and channels in relation to relevant technical, social, cultural, and economic conditions.

KAW and WASP-HS
The project is financed by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg foundation (MMW). The intention is that the student will be affiliated to WASP-HS (see https://wasp-sweden.org/about-us/wasp-hs/). The WASP-HS graduate school provide foundations, perspectives, and state-of-the-art knowledge in the different disciplines taught by leading researchers in the field. It thus provides added value on top of the existing PhD programs at the hosting university, providing unique opportunities for students who are dedicated to achieving international research excellence in a multidisciplinary context.

Research Project
The PhD student is part of an overarching research project that studies the consequences for citizens and society when artificial intelligence becomes the dominating method of placing messages in online media contexts. The project focuses on AI-driven contextual advertising, in particular the use of reinforcement learning. The work includes algorithm development and analysis, complemented by controlled experiments and user studies.

The project contributes to the establishment of AI-driven contextual communication as a new research field. It is a multidisciplinary undertaking, engaging researchers from computer science, behavioural science, media and communication studies, business management, and social economy.

About the position
The successful applicant will receive a competitive salary for a period of the equivalent of four years full time research, provided that expected study and research results are achieved. The position may also include part-time teaching (normally up to 20%). If so, the total time for the position is extended accordingly (up to maximum five years). Expected starting date is 1st of June 2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Admission requirements
The applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from acquired in another system, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements for doctoral studies in computing science, the applicant is required to either have completed courses equivalent to 90 ECTS credits in computer science. However, due to the multidisciplinary nature of the project, it is permissible that at most 20 of these credits are substituted for credits in behavioural science, media and communication, statistics, discrete mathematics, or mathematical modelling.

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. Candidates are expected to have a background in computer science; a specialization in artificial intelligence or machine learning is a merit. Candidates from related disciplines, with a very good understanding of fundamental concepts of computer science and good programming experience may also be considered.

Application
A complete application must contain the following documents:

- A cover letter including a description of your research interests, your reasons to apply for the position, and your contact information
- A curriculum vitae
- If applicable, copies of completed BSc and MSc theses and other original research publications
- Certified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
- Contact information of two persons willing to act as references

Applications must be submitted electronically using the e-recruitment system Varbi, and be received no later than May 1, 2021. Reference number: AN 2.2.1-495-21

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

As we strive for a more balanced gender distribution within the department, we encourage women as applicants.

For additional information, please contact Johanna Björklund at johanna@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 2.2.1-495-21
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 31.Mar.2021
Last application date 01.May.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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