PhD position in logic and legal reasoning

[Réka Markovich]

The research group Theory and Logic, Institute of Logic and Computation of the Vienna University of Technology is seeking an exceptionally talented and motivated student for a PhD position.

The position is embedded in the LoDEx project (Logical Methods for Deontic Explanations)<https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/lodex/>, a joint project between TU Vienna (PI: Agata Ciabattoni), the University of Luxembourg (PI: Leon van der Torre), and the Ruhr-University Bochum (PI: Christian Straßer).

This PhD position is a shared position with the University of Luxembourg: the candidate is expected to spend the first two years at TU Wien in Vienna and then two years in Luxembourg completing his/her PhD under a Cotutelle agreement in the Computational Law and Machine Ethics (CLAiM) group at the University of Luxembourg.

*The Project.*

The candidate will be working as a member of the WEAVE project "Logical Methods for Deontic Explanations" (LoDEx). The project's general aim is to develop formal frameworks for generating explanations in the normative context. The frameworks will be applied to bioethics and legal reasoning, as case studies.

These explanations facilitate our comprehension of the underlying reasons for the application of specific norms within a particular context, illuminating why adherence to these norms is crucial.

*The position.*

The PhD position focuses on advancing and applying logical methods for explanations in legal reasoning.

*Job requirements.*

The candidate should have familiarity with formal logic, ideally modal/deontic/epistemic/philosophical logics; and a basic affinity with and an interest in legal reasoning.

The candidate should have a degree in computer science, philosophy, logic, AI, or related subjects. Knowledge of German is not required. We welcome candidates with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. We especially encourage candidates from underrepresented groups. For any queries, please contact Agata Ciabattoni (ag...@logic.at<mailto:ag...@logic.at>) and Réka Markovich (reka.ma...@uni.lu<mailto:reka.ma...@uni.lu>).

*Application.*

The application should contain the following documents:

1. a letter of motivation explaining your interest in the position and your qualifications for it, 2. your curriculum vitae, 3. abstract in English of the applicant's master's thesis; 4. a complete list of completed studies and transcripts of all grades, 5. a writing sample (such as a master thesis, or seminar paper), and 6. the contact details of at least two referees, who can be contacted for a letter of reference

If you are interested, we invite you to apply before November 30th, 2023. Interviews will be held online shortly thereafter.

Please send your application to ag...@logic.at<mailto:ag...@logic.at> (cc to reka.ma...@uni.lu<mailto:reka.ma...@uni.lu>).

A further PhD position within the LoDEx project is offered by the Ruhr-University Bochum (cotutelle with the University of Luxembourg).

For more information, please visit: https://www.vcla.at/2023/10/phd-position-in-logic-and-legal-reasoning/