About the Role

This project will examine how technologies like large language models and AI-generated media interact with information trust and societal dynamics, focusing on challenges such as disinformation, political trust, and AI regulations. You will split your time between VUB and the JRC, allowing for a unique opportunity to engage with academic research and EU policymaking.

Research Focus

Your PhD will investigate:

• The misuse of generative AI in spreading illegal and harmful content.
• Transparency measures to identify machine-generated content.
• Generative AI’s impact on public-domain knowledge and digital commons.
• The interaction between disinformation, political trust, and AI regulations like the EU AI Act and Digital Services Act.

The research combines quantitative methods (e.g., natural language processing, web scraping, social media analysis) with interpretative practices from the digital humanities.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Background

• Master’s degree in digital humanities, computational linguistics, media and communication studies, or related fields.

Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in computational text analysis and social media corpora.
• Excellent academic writing and research skills.
• Familiarity with relevant academic literature on generative AI and its societal implications.
• Flexibility, self-motivation, and ability to work independently.
• Fluency in English; additional language skills are an asset.
• An interdisciplinary profile combining humanities or social sciences with computational skills is a plus.
• Interest in EU policies, particularly the EU AI Act and Digital Services Act, is desirable.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a research project on the societal impacts of generative AI.
• Utilize computational methods and data science techniques for analyzing text and media.
• Collaborate with colleagues at VUB and JRC, contributing to both academic and policy-oriented outputs.
• Present findings at academic conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Prepare and submit a PhD dissertation.

What We Offer

• PhD Scholarship: 12-month contract, renewable up to a maximum of 48 months based on positive evaluations.
• Unique Dual Workplaces:
  • Years 1 and 2: Joint Research Centre, Sevilla, Spain, as part of the Algorithmic Transparency Unit.
  • Years 3 and 4: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
• Benefits Include:
  • Extensive teleworking options and allowances.
  • Competitive leave package: 35 days of leave, additional holiday closures, and three extra days.
  • Full reimbursement for public transport and/or cycling allowances.
  • Affordable meals on campus and access to excellent sports facilities.
  • Cost-free hospitalization insurance and additional workplace benefits like discounts and ecocheques.
  • Opportunities for career development and access to VUB’s learning platforms.

How to Apply

Submit your application via VUB’s online portal by 20 January 2025. Your application must include:

1. A motivation letter (1 page) explaining your interest in the research topic.
2. A curriculum vitae detailing academic qualifications, research experience, and publications.
3. A project proposal (max 3,000 words) including:
   • Literature review
   • Research question and hypotheses
   • Methodological outline
   • Indicative work plan
4. A copy of a publication (e.g., master’s thesis or academic paper).
5. Names and contact details of two referees (letters to be sent directly to [email protected]).
6. Diploma (if applicable for non-VUB alumni).