FATE: Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics in AI - Microsoft Research
- Updated on: 2018-09-28
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We are beginning to harness the power of AI, machine learning, and data science throughout many aspects of society. Indeed, these areas form core components of many Microsoft systems and products. But these techniques also raise complex ethical and social questions: How can we best use AI to assist users and offer enhanced insights, while avoiding exposing them to different types of discrimination in health, housing, law enforcement, and employment? How can we balance the need for efficiency and exploration with fairness and sensitivity to users? As we move toward relying on intelligent agents in our everyday lives, how do we ensure that individuals and communities can trust these systems? The researchers in this group work on the complex social implications of AI, machine learning, data science, large-scale experimentation, and increasing automation. Our aim is to develop computational techniques that are both innovative and ethical, while drawing on the deeper context surrounding these issues from sociology, history, and science and technology studies. As a new group, we are currently working on collaborative research projects that address the need for transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI and ML systems. We publish in a variety of disciplines, including machine learning, information retrieval, systems, sociology, political science, and science and technology studies.
The FATE group (Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics) at Microsoft Research New York City (MSR NYC) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to start in July, 2017. This one-year position is an ideal opportunity for an emerging scholar whose work focuses on the social impacts of machine learning and AI. Postdoctoral researchers receive a competitive salary and benefits package, and are eligible for relocation expenses. Candidates must have completed their PhD, including submission of their dissertation, prior to joining MSR NYC (i.e., PhD received in late 2016 or to be conferred by July 2017). We encourage candidates with tenure-track job offers from other institutions to apply, provided they are able to defer their start date to accept our position. Application deadline: April 3, 2017.
Microsoft Research provides a vibrant multidisciplinary research environment, with an open publications policy and close links to top academic institutions around the world. Postdoctoral researcher positions provide emerging scholars with an opportunity to develop their research career and to interact with some of the top minds in the research community. Postdoctoral researchers define their own research agenda. Successful candidates will have a well-established research track record, evidenced by top-tier journal or conference publications, as well as a strong service record (e.g., participation on program committees, editorial boards, and advisory panels).
While each of the Microsoft Research labs has openings in a variety of different disciplines, this position with the FATE group at MSR NYC is specifically intended for researchers who are interested in challenges related to fairness, transparency, accountability, and ethics in machine learning and AI. The FATE group includes Kate Crawford, Hanna Wallach, and Solon Barocas, among others; for a sampling of recent publications see their respective websites.
We will consider candidates with a background in a technical field (such as machine learning, AI, or NLP) as well as candidates who study socio-technical questions in the fields of anthropology, media studies, sociology, and/or science and technology studies. The ideal candidate should have a demonstrated interest in the social impacts of machine learning and AI, and be interested in working in a highly interdisciplinary environment that includes computer scientists, social scientists, critical humanists, and economists.
To apply, please submit an online application on the Microsoft Research careers website.
In addition to your CV and names of three or more referees (including your dissertation advisor), please upload the following materials:
Please indicate that your location preference is “New York” and include “Kate Crawford” as the name of a Microsoft Research contact (you may include additional contacts as well). Note: if you do not do this, it is *very unlikely* that we will receive your application.
After you submit your application, a request for letters will be sent to your referees on your behalf. You may wish to alert your referees in advance so that they are ready to submit your letter by April 3, 2017. Note: you can check the progress on individual letter requests by clicking the “status” tab within your application page.
Microsoft is committed to building a culturally diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.
