Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning for Ecological Macroeconomic Models – ToBe

Job title:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning for Ecological Macroeconomic Models – ToBe

Company:

Job description

Offer DescriptionThis position will explore the ways in which machine learning methods could be applied to better model environmental and social outcomes within an ecological macroeconomic model. Ecological macroeconomic models are simulation tools that allow for the exploration of the dynamic feedbacks between technological development, economic activity, environmental impacts, and social outcomes. They allow for multiple non-substitutable goals to be explored (e.g. sustainability, equity, and human well-being). To date, there has been very little work exploring how machine learning techniques could be applied within an ecological macroeconomic model.The successful candidate will join an international team of researchers developing a new model that includes a wide range of indicators of human well-being and environmental sustainability (such as those in the “Doughnut” of social and planetary boundaries). This model will be used to assess different policy packages aimed at achieving a sustainable economy, in particular “post-growth” approaches that move beyond GDP as a measure of progress. The motivation for this research is the observation that the pursuit of GDP growth is no longer improving people’s lives in wealthy nations, and yet it is contributing to a worsening ecological crisis. A new economic paradigm is needed.In addition to applying machine learning methods in a modelling context, the position may also explore broader questions related to the impact of AI on society such as: (1) What impacts would different AI scenarios have on environmental sustainability and human well-being? (2) What policies would help steer AI development towards the achievement of a good life for all within planetary boundaries? (3) Can AI be aligned with the goals of a “post-growth” economy?Gross salary per year: 36,374.40 €Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Economics Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Environmental science Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Information science Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Technology Education Level PhD or equivalentSkills/QualificationsThe successful candidate will have:

• A PhD in computer science, engineering, natural sciences, sustainability science, ecological economics, or a related field. Completion of a PhD by the start date of the contract is a requirement for the position
• A track record of relevant research publications in internationally recognised journals
• Expertise in machine learning methods
• Strong programming skills in open-source languages (e.g. Python, C, Julia)
• An interest in the environmental and social impacts of artificial intelligence
• Motivation and initiative to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills

Fluency in EnglishSpecific RequirementsThe successful candidate may have:

• Knowledge of post-growth research topics
• Expertise in explainable AI methods
• Expertise in other relevant quantitative research methods (e.g. system dynamics, input-output analysis, time-use analysis, scenario modelling, material flow analysis, etc.)

Proficiency in Spanish and/or CatalanLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentResearch Field EconomicsEnvironmental scienceInformation scienceTechnology Years of Research Experience 4 – 10Additional InformationEligibility criteria

• Suitability of CV (max. 50)
• PhD in the specialist area (30), other PhD (10)

• Motivation letter (max. 20)

• Related experience (max. 30)

The minimum score to pass the selection process is 70.Selection processFirst selection based on application documents, there might be online interviews for short-listed candidates, if needed.Additional commentsDuration of the contract of employment: 12 months, renewable up to 28 February 2026.The candidate proposed for hiring must accept the job offer within5 working daysfrom the date of notification of the selection. (En cap cas pot ser superior a 10 dies hàbils, reduits a 5 en cas d’urgència).Priority will be given to people with disabilities (Law 89/2015 of June 2, reserve of quota 2% in favour of people with disabilities in companies of 50 or more people).Be aware that the starting date set in this offer is an estimate date. The official starting date will depend on the bureaucratic time that will take the preparation of the labour contract and presentation of the necessary documents to be hired by the selected candidate.For additional information regards this offer, please, contact: (Dan O’Neill). Email subject: Application for Postdoc in Modelling with Machine LearningWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Universitat de Barcelona Country Spain State/Province Barcelona City Barcelona Postal Code 08034 Street Avinguda Diagonal 690 GeofieldContact State/ProvinceBarcelona CityBarcelona WebsiteStreetGran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585 Postal Code08007 E-Mailfederico.demaria@ub.eduSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

€36374.4 per year

Location

Barcelona

Job date

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 01:11:58 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesineu.com) you saw this job posting.