ESR3: Explaining Bayesian Networks

Open Early Stage Researcher/PhD Position at University of Aberdeen (UNIABDN), United Kingdom, for the NL4XAI project

Reference number: NL4XAI- ESR3

PhD research topic: Explaining Bayesian Networks

Objectives: To develop techniques for explaining Bayesian and probabilistic reasoning, especially Bayesian networks, to different types of users. Bayesian reasoning is transparent and sound, but very different from human reasoning, especially amongst people who are not domain experts. We will empirically explore the difficulties that different types of users have in understanding Bayesian networks; create an algorithm for generating appropriate explanations for different types of users; and empirically evaluate the effectiveness of this algorithm.

For more information, see http://ehudreiter.com/phd-explaining-bayesian-reasoning

Expected Results:

  • In-depth understanding of the state of the art in explaining Bayesian reasoning, especially in Bayesian networks.
  • Analysis of the difficulties different types of people have in understanding Bayesian reasoning.
  • Algorithm for generating appropriate explanations for different users of Bayesian reasoning.
  • Implementation of the algorithms, and integration into a standard tool for examining Bayesian networks.
  • Evaluation of the effectiveness of the algorithm in increasing user understanding, trust, and decision making.
  • Collaboration with and supporting other NL4XAI- ESRs working on related topics, including NL4XAI- ESR2, NL4XAI-ESR4, and NL4XAI-ESR10

Host institution: University of Aberdeen- UNIABDN (United Kingdom)

PhD Enrolment: University of Aberdeen- UNIABDN (United Kingdom)

Secondments: The ESR will undertake two secondments of 2 months each and one inter-sectorial secondment of 6 months, as detailed in the following table.

Supervisors:

  • PhD Co-Supervisor:
    • Prof. Nir Oren, Department of Computing Science – University of Aberdeen (UNIABDN)
    • Dr. Nava Tintarev, Department of Software Technology – Technische University of Delf (TU Delft)

Inter-sectoral Secondment Supervisor:

General requirements:

  • Mobility: At the time of recruitment, the researcher must not have resided, or carried out his/her activity in United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment date. Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention is not taken into account.
  • Career: When starting their contract (expected in April 2020), selected researchers should be within the first four years of his/her research careers and not have been awarded a doctoral degree prior to the application.
  • The candidate must be working exclusively for the action.
  • Visa: Any appointment will require confirmation of the right to work in the UK and ability to secure a valid visa, if required, from UK Visas and Immigration.

Specific requirements:

  • Degree: Good undergraduate or Masters degree in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence, providing access to PhD program.
  • Language: Excellent command of English, together with good academic writing and presentation skills.

Desirable skills:

  • Background in NLP, NLG, argumentation, explainable AI, and/or probabilistic and Bayesian reasoning
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong motivation to pursue a PhD degree.
  • Strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific work

Estimated starting date: 1st April 2020

Contract: Full-time contract

Duration: 36 months, including 2 secondments of 2 months each and one inter-sectorial secondment of 6 months, at other consortium members’ premises (see the Secondments section above)

Salary: £36096/year

Application Documents:

  • Detailed CV in Europass format (template available in the following link) in English, highlighting the merits that are established as evaluation criteria;
  • Scans of BSc and/or MSc transcripts, with certified translation in English (if the degree qualification is not in English or in the language of the hosting country); 
  • A motivation letter in English, highlighting the consistency between the candidate profile and the chosen ESR position/s for which she/he is applying and describing why you wishes to be an NL4XAI ESR to carry out a PhD;
  • Contact details or recommendation letters of two referees in English or in certified translation;
  • Scanned copy of valid identification document;
  • Proof of excellent command of English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge or equivalent). This is not required in case of native English speakers (i.e., English is your mother tongue).

In addition, you can add any other documents which you find relevant for the applications such as Master thesis, publications or project reports.

Evaluation criteria:

  • Academic background (up to 40 points)
  • Knowledge and specific achievements (up to 35 points)
  • Personal interview, only for candidates achieving a minimum of 55 points (up to 25 points)

Deadline: February 14, 2020, at 23h59 CET (UCT + 01:00)

For more information, see  http://ehudreiter.com/phd-explaining-bayesian-reasoning or email e.reiter@abdn.ac.uk   

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