Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
Start date: Flexible (January 2023 or before)
Duration: One-year fellowship (renewal possible)
Salary range: $45,000- $65,000, plus benefits (based on experience and scope of the position)
Reports to: Dr. Colleen M. Flood, University Research Chair in Health Law and Policy (in collaboration with Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau)
Fellowship Description
The AI + Society Initiative is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Alex Trebek/CIHR Postdoctoral Fellow to pursue an innovative research program focused on the legal and ethical aspects of health-related artificial intelligence (AI).
The successful candidate will be supervised throughout the postdoctoral fellowship by leading health law, ethics, and law and technology scholars from the University of Ottawa together with an advisory committee of national and international scholars, as part of the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue’s Project on AI for Healthy Humans and Environments and the the CIHR-funded project “Machine MD: How Should We Regulate AI in Health Care?”.
Applicants are encouraged to propose creative ideas for a postdoctoral fellowship, emphasising how they plan to contribute to new knowledge within the domain of the application of AI to health and health care.
It is expected that this work will result in a series of joint publications by the end of the fellowship. Research outputs (e.g. policy recommendations and framework proposals) will be disseminated through a series of publications, white papers and other knowledge mobilization activities. The postdoctoral fellowship will focus on research dissemination and knowledge translation both within and outside the academy, and with public and private sector actors
The successful candidate will be registered as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa and will enjoy all associated privileges. This individual will have a strong background in law and, preferably, a strong track record in writing and publishing policy-relevant articles and reports.
As part of the Machine MD project, the fellow will work with an international team of interdisciplinary scholars exploring policy options for the optimal governance of artificial intelligence technologies in health care in Canada and globally. The fellow will be involved in developing case-studies for deeper legal and ethical analysis, and leading report writing. They will also assist with various other research projects/publications including a scoping review and applications for research funding.
About the Projects
The successful candidate will join the dynamic research community of the AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa, and of its Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue’s Project on AI for Healthy Humans and Environments, as well as of the international team of the CIHR-funded Machine MD project.
The University of Ottawa has positioned itself as a leader in transdisciplinary research and training for responsible AI for the benefit of Canada and the world. The AI + Society Initiative leads a research agenda for a better understanding and framing of the ethical,legal and societal implications of AI research and its uses, as well as leveraging a transdisciplinary approach to advancing AI methods and tools, with a focus on their responsible applications.
Co-lead by Dr.Kelly Bronson, Dr. Colleen M. Flood and Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau, the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue’s Project on AI for Healthy Humans and Environments synergistically brings together leading centres and researchers on AI and proposes research and knowledge translation in the areas of health care, agriculture and the environment. The project aims at developing tools and a framework to support policy makers in Canada and abroad in implementing “smart” changes–ones which support healthier and more sustainable AI-powered healthcare and food production.
Synergistically, the CIHR-funded Machine MD project, led by Dr. Colleen M. Flood, Dr. Anna Goldenberg, Dr. Teresa Scassa, and Dr. Catherine Régis, is analysing whether the web of uncoordinated existing laws are cumulatively sufficient to protect patients from harms and maximize benefits that may emerge from AI technologies.
Position Requirements
- Doctoral degree in law or allied field (e.g., ethics [social or bioethics], political science, public health) with training in law. The preference will be on candidates with doctorates awarded in the last 5 years, but all candidates will be considered.
- Research experience, preferably in law and policy.
- English Proficiency.
- Excellent writing skills
Additionally, the following skills will be considered as assets:
- Bilingualism (English and French).
- Scholarship on the relevant topics.
- Experience with knowledge mobilization (translation and exchange).
Place of work and COVID-19: We are currently working in a hybrid model, but are resuming in person activities. We understand each person’s circumstances are unique and will work with the selected candidate to explore the best working conditions for them.
How to apply
Apply on our Application Portal
The application package should include:
- a cover letter,
- a complete curriculum vitae,
- a one-page (max.) description of research interests relevant for these dual position.
- a writing sample of published or unpublished work where the author is the sole or primary author
Please direct your questions to aisociety@uottawa.ca.
The selection committee will start to review applications on October 24, 2022. Applications will be considered until a successful candidate is found.
Applications should indicate a proposed start date. We will expect the selected candidate to join the project in January 2023. However, should the candidate be available, and subject to university and immigration procedures, the fellowship could start earlier in the fall.
We thank all applicants for their interest. While we are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for all applicants, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted. Please be advised that, due to changes in our funding, management, or organizational needs, we reserve the right to pause or stop a job competition at any stage in the process. Applicants will be notified in a timely manner.
The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Ottawa Centre for Law, Technology and Society is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities, as well as members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The cover letter should confirm the immigration status of the candidate. Please note that a hired candidate who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada will need to be able to travel to Canada to obtain their work permit and social insurance number.
In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the University of Ottawa will provide accommodations upon request during the recruitment, selection and assessment process for candidates with a disability.