Postdoctoral Researcher “Ethical, Legal and Social Issues of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine"

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences (CELLS) is an internationally oriented, interdisciplinary institute at the Faculty of Philosophy of Leibniz Universität Hannover. CELLS is one of the leading centers for research into the ethical, legal and social implications of the life sciences.

CELLS welcomes applications for the following position starting at the earliest possible date: Research Assistant (Postdoctoral Researcher) in the subject area “Ethical, Legal and Social Issues of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine" (salary scale 13 TV-L, 100 %)

The position is limited until September 30, 2028. The scope comprises 100% of the regular collectively agreed working hours. Information on the remuneration of this position can be found  here.

The successful candidate will be employed, together with colleagues from the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, as part of the ethical-legal sub-project of the "Lower Saxony Center for AI & Causal Methods in Medicine" (CAIMed) (an overview of the project can be found  here). Within the research topic, questions about the benefits and risks of the system, data protection, privacy protection, transparency, traceability and explainability of the decisions made by the AI system, but also questions about justice, non-discrimination and fairness, as well as the autonomy, responsibility and accountability of the actors involved are central. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to develop their own research focus.

You will work with colleagues at CELLS on research coordination, the organisation of project-related conferences and workshops, and the preparation of funding applications.

This position requires a regular presence in Hanover.

The prerequisite for employment is a completed academic degree, preferably in the field of philosophy, political science, law or sociology (or related disciplines) with a proven research interest in ethical issues.

Furthermore, we expect the following qualifications:

• Completed or imminent doctorate in a relevant field
• Knowledge of qualitative research methods
• Interest in questions of applied ethics, law and governance
• Interest and possibly experience in dealing with legal and policy texts
• Independent and professional way of working
• Open-mindedness towards interdisciplinary cooperation
• Strong communication skills, ability to cooperate and work in a team as well as good IT skills
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore particularly encourage applications for the above-mentioned position from women. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

CELLS offers an excellent working atmosphere in an international interdisciplinary and research-oriented team with scientific development opportunities. Due to our international collaborations and visiting scientists, our institute languages are English and German.

With more than 5000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional  development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with  balancing work and family life , through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

Have we piqued your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application!

For general information, please contact Yvonne Stöber (email:  yvonne.stoeber@cells.uni-hannover.de.

Please send your application with the relevant documents (cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the position, research concept of max. 2 pages on the planned research in the CAIMed project, CV with list of publications, certificates, a max. 20-page writing sample on a legal, ethical or political science topic of your choice as well as names and contact details of two possible references) by  17.01.2025 in electronic form to

E-Mail:  yvonne.stoeber@cells.uni-hannover.de  

or alternatively by post to:
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Centre for Ethics and Law in the Life Sciences
Otto-Brenner-Str. 1, 30159 Hannover

Information on the collection of personal data according to article 13 GDPR can be found at  https://www.uni-hannover.de/de/datenschutzhinweis-bewerbungen/