PhD Position Value-aligned automated negotiation
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science
Delft University of Technology
Deadline: 15-02-2021
https://www.tudelft.nl/over-tu-delft/werken-bij-tu-delft/vacatures/details/?jobId=1823&jobTitle=PhD%20Position%20%26quot%3B%20Value-alligned%20automated%20negotiation%26quot%3B
Job description
As the field of artificial intelligence (AI) progresses, agents are embedded
with increasingly autonomous capabilities with the potential to increase
efficiency, reduce costs, and support cognitive efforts in different fields.
Automated negotiation is one of these fields where AI can contribute to better
outcomes. AI can also enable new negotiation scenarios where human negotiation
is too slow and expensive, e.g., the real-time negotiation of residential
energy contracts in smart electrical grids. However, as suggested by literature
on representation effects, people may show less regard for ethical behavior
when negotiating through third parties. As negotiation agents act in a manner
that might not represent one’s moral values (e.g., negotiation slightly
decreases energy prices for the user but significantly increases prices for the
whole community), users might not feel responsible for the agent’s action,
leading to so-called responsibility gaps.
This PhD project aims to develop negotiation agents that can represent people’s
moral values in the context of electrical energy systems to reach outcomes that
are both efficient and value-aligned. For this, you are expected to: 1) Develop
approaches to elicit human values and embed them into negotiation agents; 2)
Propose and evaluate coordination mechanisms to value-aligned negotiation in a
multi-agent setting. This research will contribute towards explainable and
value-aligned AI systems that can operate under meaningful human control.
You will be working in the Interactive Intelligence group of the Intelligent
Systems Department. Our group focuses on the interaction of users with
intelligent systems, particularly on the development of smart interactive
agents. Such agents possess capabilities including learning, reasoning, social
skills, emotions, and norms and can interact with humans. You are expected to
collaborate with colleagues of the TU Delft’s AiTech initiative on meaningful
human control over autonomous systems.
Requirements
We are looking for an excellent candidate with the following qualifications,
knowledge, and skills:
A master’s degree (completed, or to be completed shortly) in computer
science, electrical engineering, or a related field, with an affinity for
artificial intelligence.
The candidate enjoys working with interdisciplinary research, and is
interested in topics such as (AI) Ethics, psychology, and sociology.
Strong programming skills, preferably in Python.
Good English language and communication skills (written and oral) in
order to closely cooperate with colleagues and students as well as write
scientific communications.
Team spirit and open personality for cooperation with colleagues and
co-supervision of students.
Conditions of employment
TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go
progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with
the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395
per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate
you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate
School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of
supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is
aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health
insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution.
Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer
the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your
relocation.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of
the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top
international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers
world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges
in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For
generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers,
both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and
aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we
imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact
on a global scale.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS)
brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and
computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force
behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the
electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are
also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We
are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics
to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of
room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and
have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international
position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study
in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering,
Mathematics and Computer Science.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Luciano Cavalcante
Siebert, Assistant Professor, email: [email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15-02-2021 via the
application button and upload your motivation and CV.
A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
You can apply online (
https://www.tudelft.nl/over-tu-delft/werken-bij-tu-delft/vacatures/details/?jobId=1823&jobTitle=PhD%20Position%20%26quot%3B%20Value-alligned%20automated%20negotiation%26quot%3B
).
We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
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