About us:

The Emmy Noether junior research group „From Bias to Knowledge: The Epistemology of Machine Learning,“ led by Dr. Tom Sterkenburg, investigates foundational questions in the epistemology of machine learning. The group’s main aim is to improve our understanding of inductive bias in machine learning algorithms, by building bridges between the philosophy of science and the mathematical theory of machine learning. The group is embedded within the Munich Center for Mathematical Philosophy (MCMP) and the Chair of Philosophy of Science (Prof. Dr. Stephan Hartmann) at the Faculty of Philosophy.

We are looking for you:

PhD position in epistemology of machine learning (m/f/x)

in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

You perform research in mathematically-oriented philosophy of machine learning, and develop your own scientific profile. You present your research findings in the form of peer-reviewed articles in academic journals and presentations at relevant conferences. You take part in further scientific activities of the group, including the organisation of workshops.

Your qualifications:

• An excellent master’s degree in philosophy, logic, computer science, or related areas
• A background and strong interest in the philosophy of artificial intelligence and/or philosophy of science, and ideally affinity with the mathematics and epistemology of machine learning
• Proficiency in English
• High level of motivation and personal responsibility, as well as the ability to work together in a team.

Benefits:

The MCMP is an internationally leading center in formal philosophy, and hosts a vibrant research community of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, doctoral fellows, master students, and visiting fellows. It organizes multiple weekly colloquia as well as various workshops, conferences, summer schools, and reading groups. You will partake in the MCMP's academic activities and enjoy its administrative facilities and support. Munich is moreover one of the most important AI research hubs in Germany. The MCMP actively works together with the Munich Center for Machine Learning (MCML), a national Centre of Excellence for AI Research. You will therefore have access to an outstanding network of researchers both in philosophy and in AI.

Research stays at other universities, for instance with associated research groups in Tübingen and in Groningen, are actively supported.

Your office is located in the center of Munich, close to the Englischer Garten, and easily accessible by public transport.

Remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Länder (TV-L) including all allowances customary in the public sector.

Female scholars are especially encouraged to apply. LMU Munich endeavors to raise the percentage of women among its academic personnel.

People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Contact:

We are looking forward to your application. Please send the following documents in one PDF document by email no later than 2024-05-01:

• Motivation letter with indication of research interests
• Academic CV
• List of grades
• A sample of written work, in English, of no more than 6.000 words.

For further information, please contact Dr. Tom Sterkenburg.

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