WE ARE
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) provides independent, evidence-based knowledge and science, supporting EU policies to positively impact society.
The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) is the worlds first platform regulation to address societal risks emerging from the use of online platforms. Amongst other challenges, it focuses on tackling the dissemination of illegal content, goods and services online, protecting freedom of expression, and addressing disinformation.
The DSA imposes obligations for online intermediaries and platforms (e.g. online marketplaces, social networks, content-sharing platforms, app stores, and online travel and accommodation platforms) according to their role, size and impact in society. Very large online platforms and search engines with a user base of more than 45 million monthly average users bear special obligations. Most prominently, they will be subject to a risk management obligation, and will need to adapt their service, systems and algorithms to address the societal risks they may pose.
This legal framework needs strong supervision and cutting-edge competence within the regulator, including in highly technical areas such as artificial intelligence, algorithmic system
We offer:
The jobholder will join a multidisciplinary team of applied scientists and researchers working at the intersection of technology and regulatory enforcement. This position provides the opportunity to:
* join a dynamic team working on ground-breaking projects on data science, algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence, with a tremendous societal impact;
* help make the online space safer for all Europeans, while working on some of the most exciting and complex challenges brought by large online platforms;
* closely collaborate with legal and policy experts within the European Commission working on the supervision and enforcement of the Digital Services Act.
Please see also Working at the Commissiononditions and environment (europa.eu)
WE PROPOSE
The successful candidate will join the ECAT team responsible for scientific and technical contributions to DSA enforcement.
For this team, we are looking for technology specialists in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence and the various types of algorithmic systems used by large online platforms, such as content recommendation systems, content moderation systems, and generative and agentic AI.
In addition to technical expertise, the ideal candidate should have a keen awareness of systemic risks in the online space, especially those in which algorithmic systems play a role, ranging from the amplification of illegal and harmful content to the use of generative AI. in the context of disinformation campaigns.
Concrete areas of work may include:
* defining and implementing practical experiments to assess societal risks posed by online platforms’ services, and the effectiveness of mitigation measures put in place;
* defining–and applying in real-world settings–new methodologies and tools for the analysis, inspection and auditing of complex state-of-the-art algorithms and AI systems;
* analysing and requesting information from large online platforms and search engines about their technical systems, such as algorithms, data sets, risk assessments;
* directly participating in DSA supervision and enforcement activities and investigations, producing evidence that could be used in formal infringement cases;
This position will require collaboration within the Joint Research Centre and the European Commission, as well as with external stakeholders, such as civil society organisations. It will also require interacting, at the technical level, with very large online platforms and very large online search engines in the context of DSA supervision and enforcement activities.
WE LOOK FOR
We are looking for applied data scientists and AI experts with a keen interest in supporting EU digital policies and regulations. Candidates should have the following experience/skills (essential):
* A university degree and at least 3 years of experience or a PhD (doctoral diploma) in disciplines relevant to this vacancy such as computer science, AI or engineering.
* Practical experience in data science, data engineering, or in the design, implementation and evaluation of state-of-the-art AI systems.
* Very good (C1) knowledge of English.
Any of the following skills and experience would be highly desirable:
* Experience inspecting and auditing e-commerce platforms, especially those designated under the DSA, including AI features analysis, illegal content, A/B testing.
* Experience studying and assessing societal risks (and mitigations) in the context of online platforms, such as the spread of illegal content, or the spread of disinformation.
* Experience inspecting and auditing algorithm systems, especially those used for content recommendation or content moderation, including generative AI systems.
* Excellent software engineering and development skills; ability to develop, maintain and deploy high quality data science and AI libraries
HOW TO APPLY
If you are already on a valid CAST FG IV reserve list, or you have already applied to one of the calls below, you can directly submit your application at JRC Recruitment Portal.
If not, before applying to this position, you must register for one of the two following databases:
* the Call for Expressions of Interest | EU Careers (europa.eu) (CAST Permanent FGIV), which is used by a wide range of organisations (institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the European Union), or
* the specialised call for researchers (JRC Call COM/1/2015/GFIV – Research), which is mainly used by the JRC.
Note that each of the calls above has different minimum eligibility requirements and different selection tests .
The JRC cultivates a workplace based on respect for other people and the environment, and embraces non-discriminatory practices and equality of opportunity. In case of equal merit, preference will be given to the gender in minority.
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