The Application of Evolutionary Computational Methods to Mitigate Detrimental Bias in AI

Dundalk Institute of Technology invite applications for the following position: The Application of Evolutionary Computational Methods to Mitigate Detrimental Bias in AI

PhD postgraduate Scholarship (Full-time: 36 months)

Supervisor: Dr Roisin Loughran (DkIT) and Prof Fergal McCaffery (DkIT) - Regulated Software Research Centre

Position Reference: 09STEM2021

Keywords: Algorithmic Bias, Artificial Intelligence, Evolutionary Computation

Detrimental bias is a significant issue in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to real-world problems. Nevertheless, AI methods are increasingly being proposed to address and solve issues in critical safety systems such as Healthcare. 

Evolutionary Computation (EC) encompasses a suite of algorithms that optimize a solution to a given problem, within a population of solutions, according to a defined fitness function. This artificial selection process is based on notions of ‘best fitness’ and is highly prone to, if not based on, constructive bias.

This project will consider multi-objective EC methods to investigate the concept of bias and investigate if EC methods could be used to mitigate detrimental bias in a real-world AI application.

Applicants to this project should have a keen interest in AI – in its limitations as well as its capabilities as well as good working knowledge of state of the art algorithms such as EC

 Dundalk Institute of Technology

Dundalk Institute of Technology is a dynamic, world class Institute that has developed an international reputation in both basic and applied research through its Research Centres. This PhD Scholarship is offered through the Regulated Software Research Centre, within the School of Informatics and Creative Arts at DkIT. The successful applicant will be registered as a full time postgraduate research student in the DCU-DkIT Graduate School. The PhD position will be located on the DkIT campus and the Degree will be awarded by Dublin City University.

Candidate Requirements:

Essential/Desirable Qualifications

-2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in computer science, statistics, applied mathematics or similar

Experience/knowledge

-Masters degree in data science, applied computer science, evolutionary computation or machine learning

-Experience in designing and employing statistical or Machine Learning Methods in real-world applications

- It is also a requirement that any applicant whose first language is other than English must have a certified English language proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Application process

Please send a copy of your CV and a 1-page cover letter in PDF format to [Email Address Removed] no later than 4.00 pm on Monday 14th March 2022. Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Please use the position reference “09STEM2021” in the subject title. 

Short listed candidates will be invited to interview. 

Informal inquiries should be sent to; [Email Address Removed] 

Please note, canvassing will render an applicant ineligible.