Accountable and Transparent Human-Like AI

Students with an interest in systems engineering, dev ops, and real-time human-like artificial intelligence are encouraged to apply, in order to research development methodologies and transparency mechanisms for domestic and/or professional AI systems. These can include but are not limited to domestic and other human-institutional robotics (e.g. hospitals), intelligent environments, spoken dialog systems, computer game characters, VR avatars, etc. Useful background includes interest and experience in professional / commercial software development, cybersecurity, machine learning, process visualisation, human computer/robot interaction, experimental psychology, statistics.

Experience in academic publication and/or conference presentation a plus. You would be joining a diverse lab with many opportunities, including for international collaboration. You should be creative and self-motivated, able to work alone but actively enthusiastic about working with others, both directly and via collaboration tools with those located in other countries and timezones. Strong undergraduate marks in at least some relevant courses required, good postgraduate degrees and references from dissertation supervisors are useful.

In year 1 there may be the opportunity for unofficial collaboration with AXA, an insurance company with many small humanoid robots.

This project is associated with the UKRI CDT in Accountable, Responsible and Transparent AI (ART-AI), which is looking for its first cohort of at least 10 students to start in September 2019. Students will be fully funded for 4 years (stipend, UK/EU tuition fees and research support budget). Further details can be found at: http://www.bath.ac.uk/research-centres/ukri-centre-for-doctoral-training-in-accountable-responsible-and-transparent-ai/.

Desirable qualities in candidates include intellectual curiosity, a strong background in maths and programming experience.

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Informal enquiries about the project should be directed to Dr Joanna Bryson: [Email Address Removed].

Enquiries about the application process should be sent to [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Computer Science: https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUCM-FP01&code2=0013

Start date: 23 September 2019.