Connectionists: Funded PhD Position in Explainable Artificial Intelligence

[Graham Taylor]

When an artificial intelligence system makes a decision or draws a
conclusion, the reasons behind that decision are often obscure and
difficult to interpret. In order to trust the outcomes of AI systems, they
need to be able to present the rationale behind decisions in
understandable, transparent ways. We are seeking a highly-motivated PhD
candidate for an interdisciplinary research project across the fields of
deep learning, visual analytics, and human-computer interaction.
Specifically, the research program will be in Explainable Artificial
Intelligence [1] with a focus on creating systems to help people interpret
the reasoning behind decisions made by deep learning systems. The selected
candidate will join an international collaborative project and will be
responsible for the design, implementation, and testing of visualization
interfaces connecting to explainable machine learning systems designed by
partners on the larger project.



This funded position will be established in the Visualization for
Information Analysis Lab (vialab) in the Computer Science PhD program at
the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario,
Canada under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Collins. The candidate with
collaborate with other team members Dr. Graham Taylor at the University of
Guelph and Dr. Mohamed Amer at SRI International.



Depending on performance there is a strong likelihood of one or more paid
internships at SRI International during the period of study.



REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

- Masters degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering,
Informatics/Data Science or an equivalent university-level degree and
relevant experience

- Strong and demonstrated programming skills

- Research, work, or significant course experience in human-computer
interaction, visual analytics, or interface design

- Preference for candidates who also have experience/interest in artificial
intelligence or machine learning
- Able to work as an independent and flexible researcher in
interdisciplinary teams

- Strong English writing and speaking skills



APPLICATION PROCESS

Send the following to christopher.collins at uoit.ca:

   - Detailed CV
   - Motivation letter explaining your interest in and relevant experience
   for this project
   - Summary of your Master’s thesis
   - Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at this stage; translations are
   not required at this stage)

Note: The selected candidate will be invited to apply through the official
university application process and offers will be conditional on meeting
application criteria for the UOIT CS program.



DATES & DETAILS

- Expressions of interest as soon as possible; formal application process
to follow for the invited candidate

- Start date: September 2017 or negotiable

- Duration: 4 years



ABOUT UOIT

The vialab at UOIT, lead by Dr. Christopher Collins, Canada Research Chair
in Linguistic Information Visualization, conducts research in information
analysis, visual analytics, text and document analytics, and human-computer
interaction. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT),
located in Oshawa, Ontario, advances the discovery and application of
knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and innovative
programs responsive to the needs of students, and the evolving 21st-century
workplace. UOIT promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking, and
integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the
classroom. Oshawa, Ontario is located near the city of Toronto, Canada,
where many lab members live.



[1] http://www.darpa.mil/attachments/DARPA-BAA-16-53.pdf





-- 
Graham Taylor
Assistant Professor
School of Engineering, University of Guelph
CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholar, Learning in Machines & Brains program
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~gwtaylor
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