Ethical, Legal and Social Norms for Resilient Autonomous Systems

The project

Autonomous systems are an increasing part of the infrastructure of daily life. As the range and importance of such systems increases as the underlying technology rapidly develops, the UKRI has funded a range of investigatory research “nodes” to address the trustworthiness of autonomous systems

https://www.ukri.org/news/new-trustworthy-autonomous-systems-projects-launched/

The research node led by the University of York focuses on the Resilience of such systems. An aspect of resilience is how autonomous systems interact with ethical, legal and informal social norms both when it comes to their introduction and their operation. This exciting PhD studentship opportunity will contribute to the Resilience node’s research by examining the normative issues raised by these new forms of technological development. The PhD student will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with project team members from the disciplines of Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology and Mathematics, and with autonomous systems stakeholders ranging from developers and operators to regulators and end users.

Candidates are invited to familiarize themselves with the aims of the Resilience node

https://www.york.ac.uk/assuring-autonomy/news/news/trustworthy-autonomous-systems-ukri-resilience/

In the light of the project’s aims, candidates are invited to propose a PhD research topic that furthers those aims particularly with regard to the social, legal, and ethical aspects of the project. 

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate who should have, or expects to be awarded, a first-class or 2.1 degree or a master’s degree in Law, Philosophy or any other relevant discipline. Preferred skills include writing, communication, presentation and organization skills.

The successful candidate will conduct your research under the supervision of Professor Alan Thomas https://www.york.ac.uk/philosophy/staff/alan-thomas/ in the Department of Philosophy and Professor T T Arvind https://www.york.ac.uk/law/people/arvind/ in the York Law School.

You must apply online for a full-time PhD in the department of Philosophy, via the University of York online application system. ● You must quote the project title (‘Ethical, Legal and Social Norms for Resilient Autonomous Systems’) in your application. ● You must include a brief outline of your research proposal (1,500 words) in your application to study. ● You must include a cover letter explaining how your competencies and previous experience makes you an appropriate candidate for this position.

Additionally you must email Prof Alan Thomas ([Email Address Removed]) with your cover letter and intention to apply. 

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 14 May 2021 at 23.59 (BST). Interviews are expected to take place within approximately 21 days of the closing date. The studentship will begin 1st October 2021.