PhD position | MSCA Doctoral Network | Data2Action | Co-Creating the Future of Data and AI for [...]

Glasgow Caledonian University seeks a PhD candidate for the MSCA Doctoral Network, Data2Action, focusing on the intersection of data science, AI, and social innovation. The role involves researching the impact of 'Data and AI for good', developing a research agenda, and exploring career pathways in this sector. The candidate will engage with stakeholders to create a roadmap that embeds social innovation principles in technology development.

Data2Action: is the MSCA Doctoral Training Network programme uniting social innovation with data science & AI for common good. Data2Action exists to make emerging technology work harder for humanity, enabling us to co-create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world for all.

Doctoral Candidate Research Project

We have an exciting project that will shape the future of AI and data science for a candidate that is passionate about technology and how it can positively impact humanity and the planet for the common good. Advances in AI and data science are often portrayed to be for the good of humanity and the planet, but what is really behind this message? In recent years, a whole “Data and AI for good” world has appeared, but what is really behind it, and how can we effectively harness or shape technology to work harder for the common good?

The aim of the research project of the doctoral candidate is to shape the future of “data and AI for good” from a technological, social/environmental and career perspective. The main objectives are:

1. Understand the current models, agenda and impact of “data and AI for good” practice.
2. Develop a research agenda and roadmap for “Data and AI for good”.
3. Define how social innovation principles and practices can shape future Data and AI technology developments.
4. Study how career pathways and social enterprise can be developed in the “Data and AI for good” sector.

To achieve this, the fellow will:

1. Research how social innovation principles and practice can shape the development of “Data and AI for good” as well as the development of data science and AI technology. The Fellow will systematically review academic and grey literature on “Data and AI for good” and “Tech for good” to identify current models of practice, gaps in the literature, issues for development and critically analyse them and map them to the process and principles of social innovation.
2. Investigate how data science and AI can be used to enhance collective intelligence and genuine bottom-up social innovation. The Fellow will engage and work with key stakeholders in the “Data and AI for good” (e.g., DataKind, DataforGood), social innovation and data and AI sectors in a formal evidence-based co-creation process to develop a Research Roadmap for “Data and AI for good”.
3. Develop a theory of change for “Data and AI for good” (based on triangulating, using a realist approach, information from systematic review, qualitative data from interview and focus groups of key stakeholders and case studies analysis). This theory of change will provide a framework for embedding social innovation principles and practices (including ethics, security, inclusion, diversity and equity principles as well as environmental perspective) in the development of “Data and AI for good”, as well as future data science and AI technology.
4. Finally, “Data and AI for good” needs a workforce and people to invest time into it. Currently, the model is mainly a voluntary model. The Fellow, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will research alternative models through qualitative and formal future and foresight studies, particularly how new career pathways and social enterprise can be developed in the “Data and AI for good” sector. The fellow will conduct secondments in leading “Data for good” organisations and social enterprises.

The fellow will be expected to:

1. Report on findings by publishing scientific articles, resulting in a PhD dissertation;
2. Present findings at (inter)national meetings/conferences;
3. Contribute to the wider work of the Data2Action project;
4. Contribute to educational activities of the department and within the consortium.

Requirements

Essential: Eligible applicants must possess or be finalising a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree in a relevant discipline for Data2Action. Possible disciplines include e.g., computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, ICT engineering, digital humanities, philosophy, philosophical ethics, social sciences, anthropology, cognitive science, cybernetics, social innovation. Excellent English language proficiency.

Competencies: Open-minded, collaborative, critical thinker, team player, strong communicator, self-motivated, self-driven, great communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary environment. Applicants must be available full-time to start the program in September 2025.

Desirable: Experience in the “Data/AI for good” world; Coding in python/R; Ability to develop AI tools; Knowledge of data science pipeline and tools; Ability to synthesise complex information; Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews, surveys, and case study analysis.

Eligibility Conditions

Applicants do not already hold a doctoral degree. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the UK for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account. Applicant must be eligible for a working visa in the UK.

Apply Now:

All applications for this position must be submitted through MyJobScotland. Application Deadline: Sunday 18th May 2025.

We Offer:

The MSCA programme offers competitive and attractive working conditions. You will have an employment contract from the recruiting beneficiary. You will benefit from a competitive salary, annual leave, social security coverage. For more information see EU MSCA website.

Selection process

Our selection procedure is open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable, in line with the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (link).

Additional Comments

For more information about this position, you can contact Sebastien Chastin. We are hosting two information sessions on Tuesday 29th April 2025, for those interested in applying for a PhD fellow position with Data2Action. The session will start with a 15-minute presentation and then there will be a Q&A. We are running two sessions to ensure maximum global reach. Both sessions will be the same, so you should only attend one.

Sign up here:

1. Tuesday 29th April 2025, 10am UK time – sign up here
2. Tuesday 29th April 2025, 6pm UK time - sign up here