PhD candidate, Compliance by Design: Technical Challenges of EU AI Act Requirements and Their Ethica

PhD Candidate in AI Compliance by Design at Leiden University

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) are seeking a:

PhD Candidate: Compliance by Design - Technical Challenges of EU AI Act Requirements and Ethical Implications

As artificial intelligence technologies continue to evolve, they come under increasing regulation, raising technical and ethical questions. This PhD project will critically evaluate the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, examining its technical feasibility and ethical implications. The focus will be on translating regulatory requirements into practical technological solutions for AI compliance. The project will integrate both ethical and technical dimensions to understand how AI Act’s requirements can be turned into technical specifications and assessed against broader ethical principles.

This PhD position is part of the Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies (ESDiT) programme—a decade-long international research initiative combining ethics, philosophy, technology, and social sciences. Funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, the programme aims for breakthrough research at the intersection of these fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate the technical feasibility of the EU AI Act’s requirements for practical AI systems.
• Translate AI Act guidelines into feasible technical implementations from a transdisciplinary perspective.
• Identify insights from previous compliance-integration attempts for new technology design.
• Design and implement algorithms that meet the EU AI Act's requirements and develop 'best practices'.
• Develop methodologies to evaluate the risk levels of AI applications according to the Act’s classifications.
• Formulate recommendations for designing regulatory guidelines optimized for compliance feasibility.
• Engage in ethics of technology courses (20 ECTS) and assist in relevant teaching activities within LIACS.

Selection Criteria

The ideal candidate should be a highly motivated university graduate with an excellent education or research track record. The requirements include:

• MSc degree in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related fields.
• Strong interest in ethics.
• Good programming skills, e.g., Python.
• Experience with Machine Learning and/or Data Science.
• Proficiency in English (Dutch proficiency or willingness to learn is a plus).
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and connect Computer Science to other disciplines and societal challenges.

About the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science at Leiden University is renowned globally, offering a dynamic international environment. With a dedication to academic and personal development, our researchers aim to expand fundamental knowledge and address major societal challenges. The faculty includes eight institutes offering a range of bachelor’s and master’s programs.

The Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS) is the Computer Science and AI institute at Leiden University. We offer top-tier courses and are regarded as one of the leading computer science departments in the Netherlands.

Terms and Conditions

We offer a full-time position for one year, with a potential extension to three additional years based on a positive evaluation. The salary ranges from €2,770 to €3,539 gross per month (pay scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). The preferred start date is October 1, 2024, or shortly thereafter. Leiden University offers additional benefits including holiday and year-end bonuses, training, career development opportunities, and sabbatical leave. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

PhD students are part of the Leiden University Graduate School of Science, which offers several training courses. Students are encouraged to spend a semester abroad, with a budget available to cover expenses.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Leiden University values diversity and inclusion, striving to create an inclusive community where all students and staff feel respected and can develop their full potential. Diverse experiences and perspectives enhance our teaching and research quality.

Application Process

For enquiries, please contact Dr. Anna Kononova via email at [email protected]. For procedural questions, email [email protected].

To apply, please submit your application online via the blue button in the vacancy, including:

• Motivation letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Academic transcript of the MSc degree
• Names of 2