Research Fellow (f/m/x)

For its Research Group Globalization, Production and Work, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for

A Research Fellow (f/m/x)

to be employed for a period of 36 months, starting on 1st December 2023 and a weekly working load of 29,25 hours (75%). The research fellow will be working in project “AGEAI: Ageism in AI: new forms of age discrimination and exclusion in the era of algorithms and artificial intelligence” lead by Dr. Justyna Stypinska.

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a publicly financed research institution that conducts leading edge theory-based and problem-oriented social science research (http://www.wzb.eu/en). WZB researchers come from across the globe and work across social science disciplines including sociology, political science, economics, law, and psychology. A member of the Leibniz Association, WZB’s research is directed at the science community, policy makers, the media and the general public.

The AGEAI Project
The deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for the economy and society. However, it also brings forth risks concerning social equality, privacy, fairness, and accountability. Recent studies have shed light on significant race and gender biases in algorithmic systems, revealing how AI can negatively impact marginalized groups. Surprisingly, the category of age, crucial for social inclusion and equality in aging societies, has been largely overlooked in research and policy on AI bias. To bridge this gap, our interdisciplinary study aims to delve into the subject of ageism in AI, seeking to understand its implications and potential consequences for older individuals and the broader society. The aim of the AGEAI project is to critically assess how ageism operates in AI systems, products, services, and infrastructure by focusing on critical areas of AI deployment (healthcare, employment/hiring systems, mobility and transport, financial services, face recognition). The AI technology developed in those areas has been recognized as “high-risk” by the proposed EU AI Act (2022) and will need to be rigorously scrutinized to meet the standards of trustworthy, human centered and fair AI.

The international and interdisciplinary research project has partners at the University of Brighton (UK), Open University of Catalonia (Barcelona, Spain), and Leiden University (Holland) and is funded by the German Volkswagen Foundation for the period of 2023-2027.

Your tasks and duties

Performing independent analysis of media discourses on the topic of AI and ageing, including preparation of research tools for discourse analysis
Carrying out and analysis of qualitative interviews (with the use of Maxqda Software), including preparation of research tools for qualitative interviews (topic guides)
Supporting an organization of a Delphi-study
Organization of participative workshops
Preparation of scientific publications (independently and in a team)
Preparation of inputs for policy recommendations
Participation in scientific events with individual presentations
Participation in team meetings
Work on science communication: preparation of short content for social media channels about the project
Support by the organization of project meetings and other project-related events
Support by project data management

Your qualifications profile

Completed master's degree in social sciences (sociology, psychology, media sciences, political sciences, etc.)
2 years of research experience in the area of digitalization, artificial intelligence, experience with qualitative methodology, and/or discourse analysis
Good organizational skills, team work oriented, capable of independent work
Interest in topics of the research project: algorithmic discrimination, gender, ageing, diversity, intersectionality, artificial intelligence
Excellent oral and written command of the English language (working language in the project is English)

Desirable

Oral and written command of the German language
Experience with Maxqda software

Our offer

Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 TVöD Bund
Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
International, cooperative, and diversified working environment
In-depth integration into the scientific community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
Thorough instruction and guidance
Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
We promote a good work-life balance, and our engagement has been certified by audit workandfamily and the European Commission’s Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)
Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job)

Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. WZB expressly encourages women or persons with migration backgrounds to apply.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Justyna Stypinska, justyna.stypinska[at]wzb.eu or Eileen Jahnke, 030-25491-538. Job interviews will likely take place in the second half of October.

Candidates are kindly requested to submit their applications in English (consisting of a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of relevant certificates and/or references) no later than 30th September 2023.

Apply here

Application deadline

30 September 2023