Applicants must have earned a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, interaction design, human-computer interaction, or similar subjects relevant for the position. The PhD degree should not be more than three years old by the application deadline, unless special circumstances exist. The candidate is expected to have an overall interest in responsible AI concepts and methods, and expertise in participatory methods and interaction design, as demonstrate by publications and other scientific output. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Ideal candidates are research driven, organized, and would like to work on challenging problems and innovative solutions.

As more decisions become automated and processed by algorithms, these processes become more opaque and less accountable. The public has a right to know the data processes that impact their lives so they can correct errors and contest decisions made by algorithms. Personal data collected from our social connections and online activities are used by the government and companies to make determinations about our ability to fly, obtain a job, get security clearance, and even determine the severity of criminal sentencing. These opaque, automated decision-making processes bear risks of secret profiling and discrimination as well as undermine our privacy and freedom of association. Without knowledge of the factors that provide the basis for decisions, it is impossible to know whether government and companies engage in practices that are deceptive, discriminatory, or unethical.

While there is a wide expanse of applications artificial intelligence (AI) brings to the table, some are still concerned about how the technology can be an equally powerful tool to cause harm. In line with this, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Society Standards and Activities Board proposed some standards for the use and development of AI. The implications of the said standardization were intensively discussed in the paper, "Standardizing Ethical Design for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems" by Joanna Bryson and Alan Winfield. A common fear about AI is that the technology will be advanced enough to transcend the ability of humans. This will then enable them to predate the human race to extinction.

The possibility of creating sentient machines that can think and act like humans raises many ethical issues. We're already encountering reinforced human bias in AI algorithms and with autonomous "killer" robots looming on the horizon, an open discussion on the perils of unchecked AI is even more imperative. In celebration of Women's History Month, we've highlighted 12 brilliant women leading this much-needed discussion on AI & ethics and development of responsible AI solutions that will benefit everyone. Let me know of any others we should highlight in the comments below or tweet @MiaD #TiEInflect. First person on our list is Joy Buolamwini, founder of Algorithmic Justice League to fight bias in Machine Learning.

The first of these events, Policy for Artificial Intelligence: Ethics and Inclusion for the Algorithmic Age, will feature Frank Escoubes (Bluenove's CEO), John C. Havens: Executive Director, The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, and Cyrus Hodes, director of the AI Initiative with The Future Society at Harvard Kennedy School. This introductory webinar will provide a general perspective on why creating proactive and inclusive policy for AI is so important, featuring the efforts of The Harvard AI Initiative and their 6 month, global Online Civic Debate called, Governing the rise of Artificial Intelligence featuring Assembl, the collective intelligence platform. As Moderator, John will provide perspectives AI Ethics and how it relates to policy regarding The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems while also delving into specific issues Cyrus and Frank feel are most compelling to focus on in AI Policy today. Frank Escoubes is the President and co-founder of bluenove, a consulting and technology firm specialized in open innovation and collective intelligence based in France and Canada. Frank is a former Deloitte Principal.

That's the opinion of Stephen Hawking along with other leaders in the AI field, noted in a 2014 article in The Independent. Much of the media portrays a negative perception of AI, publishing articles and airing news segments about the technology with images of The Terminator. However, not many members of the media are asking what can be done to reap the benefits of the technology and avoid the risks. Those questions require a deeper look, which is why the IEEE Standards Association formed the IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, for which I serve as vice chair. In the past year, the initiative brought together more than 100 experts to collaborate on the report "Ethically Aligned Design."

AI is here now, available to anyone with access to digital technology and the Internet. But its consequences for our social order aren't well understood. How can we guide the way technology impacts society?

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, today announced the "OurAIVision" Campaign in conjunction with the recently introduced paper, Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Wellbeing with Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems (AI/AS). Launched by The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, Ethically Aligned Design is a first version of a global document encouraging technologists to prioritize ethical considerations in the creation of autonomous and intelligent technologies. The first leg of the "OurAIVision" Campaign Tour was held in Mumbai, India, where representatives from The IEEE Global Initiative received direct feedback about Ethically Aligned Design from AI experts, engineers, and technologists. The tour's next stop in Tokyo, Japan in March will collect further input to Version 2 of Ethically Aligned Design. Interested parties can support the global campaign activities using Twitter hashtag #OurAIVision or learn more by visiting the Campaign website.

Parents arranging playdates for their kids is quite commonplace as most want their kids to play, learn from others, and make friends. When scheduling these playdates, parents typically share children's allergy information or entertainment restrictions that reflect their family's safety and value concerns. Enter artificial intelligence (AI) into these scenarios, particularly as they relate to kids' toys. These AI systems interacting with children can impose certain values that may not align with you or your friends. In Engadget's recent Public Access article The Cultural Ramifications of Ubiquitous AI, John C. Havens, Executive Director, The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, explores the ethical considerations of AI as it enters into everyday life.

The pervasiveness of and increasing authority vested in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems has created tremendous anxiety amongst the public. This has led to industry- and academic-based initiatives to address ethics in AI/AS through research and public engagement. The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in the Design of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems is one such initiative designed to support engineers and serve as a springboard for developing operational IEEE Standards in AI ethics. Last week the IEEE Global Initiative released version one of its working reference, entitled "Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Wellbeing with Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems." I had the honor of working with experts in information privacy and contributing to the Personal Data and Individual Access Control Committee.