Description
With approximately 30 staff members the Tilburg Institute for Law, Technology, and Society (TILT) is a multidisciplinary center at Tilburg University specializing in research and education in the field of technology regulation. TILT is one of the largest and most innovative European research centers in technology regulation. It is an independent management unit within Tilburg Law School, a research-led, specialized university that is rated among the best in Europe.
TILT invites applications for an assistant professorship (UD) in the field of ‘Data Ethics, Law, and Policy’.
Innovations in storage capacity and processing power, data aggregation techniques and cross-contextual linkability enable unknown patterns and new knowledge to be discovered in the massive amounts of data being collected about individuals and their behaviour (Big Data (Analytics), Data Science). The use of Big Data can bring great social value, including efficient online services, lower financial risks, better medical diagnosis and a safer society. At the same time, the opacity of data and algorithms, the application of data beyond original purposes, and the lack of involvement and participation of those affected by Big Data create challenges to fundamental rights and values. The innovative technologies and sociotechnical practices that enable new opportunities for knowledge, business and governance paradigms, can also affect people’s privacy, provide new tools of discrimination, and harm individuals and communities.
There is an urgent need, both socially and scientifically, to understand the challenges of Big Data in view of fundamental rights and to prevent or mitigate harms. Rights and harms within this context include, but are not limited to, non-discrimination, fair treatment, autonomy, privacy, and right to information.
The successful candidate is expected to research, teach, and supervise graduate and PhD students in the field of ‘Data ethics, law, and policy’. (S)he is expected to develop new ideas in research and education, and acquire funding (independently or jointly with other colleagues) for future research. These activities should help TILT with the further expansion of its Data Science research and education and contribute to an understanding of, and perspectives on, the ethical, legal and policy issues in Big Data and to identify strategies and policies to address these issues. Research will be conceptual and fundamental, as well as applied in the form of studies commissioned by third parties (government, EU, and private parties).
The successful candidate
-- has a PhD in Science and Technology Studies (STS), philosophy, law or relevant other field;
-- has demonstrable knowledge of at least two of the following domains in relation to Data Science (Big Data): ethics, law, policy;
-- has a broad understanding of Data Science/Big Data concepts, methodologies and practices;
-- has publications commensurate with the stage at which the candidate finds her- or himself in her or his career but which are indicative of a strong ability to publish in the best academic journals;
-- has experience with or is interested in working in an interdisciplinary environment (affinity and experience should be evident from the candidate’s education or past performance in teaching, research or publications);
-- a ‘BKO qualification’ for those applicants currently working at a Dutch University) is considered as an advantage;
-- has perfect command of English. Knowledge of Dutch or willingness to learn within a reasonable period of time may be one of the conditions for tenure in the medium run.
Employment terms and conditions
Tilburg University is rated among the top of Dutch employers and has excellent terms of employment. The selected candidate will be assigned a position that is in accordance with his previous education and experience. He/she will initially be appointed for a fixed period of five year. For candidates who have a PhD degree, tenure and promotion to Associate Professor (universitair hoofddocent) may follow during or after this period upon additional positive evaluation. Selected candidates will be ranked in the Dutch university employment system (UFO). Depending on the candidates’ experience, the starting gross salary will vary between € 3.400,- and € 4.654,- per month (for a full-time Assistant Professorship appointment) based on scale 11 of the Collective Labour Agreement (CAO) Dutch Universities.
The application must include:
-- a curriculum vitae;
-- a motivation letter;
-- a list of publications, and a copy of the three best or most relevant publications of the applicant;
-- a statement of current and future research plans of no more than 3,000 words;
-- a record of projects for which you applied for grants;
-- the names and addresses of three referees. Referees will be contacted for shortlisted candidates only.
Applying for this vacancy can only be done online. Your application must be submitted before February 15, 2016.
Specific information about the vacancy can be obtained from prof.dr. Ronald Leenes by e-mail: r.e.leenes@uvt.nl.
Tilburg University is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Tilburg Law School
Tilburg Law School (TLS) is a modern and specialized university. With a broad variety of international programmes and innovating research, the Tilburg Law School stands for high quality. Research at the Tilburg Law School is conducted in an organisation that fosters diversity. The Tilburg Graduate Law School is responsible for the training and guidance of its Research Master students and of the Faculty’s PhD researchers. With its open and inspiring atmosphere, this school is a congenial working environment.
Recruitment code
Tilburg University applies the recruitmentcode of the Dutch Association for Personnel Management & Organization Development (NVP).
Disclaimer
The text of this vacancy advertisement is copyright-protected property of Tilburg University. Use, distribution and further disclosure of the advertisement without express permission from Tilburg University is not allowed, and this applies explicitly to use by recruitment and selection agencies which do not act directly on the instructions of Tilburg University. Responses resulting from recruitment by non-contractors of Tilburg Universities will not be handled.
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