Data Lab research at Luiss University of Rome - specialized in data, new technologies, artificial intelligence, digital media and new strategies for countering disinformation, is seeking for collaborations in our new research projects

We are seeking a highly motivated (recent postdoc preferred) researcher to join our team for a project on social network analysis to understand diffusion flows of information. He/She will be involved in our projects bringing the Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) methodology to the fact-checking domain to counter and control for cognitive bias in the fact-checking process and in the fight against disinformation. The goal is to develop a new generation of digital tools based on ACH to empower and improve fact-checking organizations’ decision-making processes. The researcher would need to undertake a range of tasks to achieve different goals. These tasks include developing the digital tools based on the ACH methodology to empower fact-checkers and journalists to make more impartial decisions. He or She will work within a multidisciplinary team and in the field of new technologies, traditional media, digital media, with particular attention to the phenomenon of disinformation. He or She will also study the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and Communication, with the aim of examining debates on new technologies and their global impact from a critical perspective.  The collaborator will be testing the effectiveness and usability of the digital tools with a group of fact-checkers that would then need to be undertaken, and feedback gathered on how the tools could be improved. The data collected from the fact-checkers and any changes in public visibility of enhanced fact-checks would then be analyzed, combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The results of the study would be published in relevant academic or professional journals, as well as presented at conferences or workshops. These tasks would include developing algorithms that can effectively implement the ACH methodology in the digital tools, exploring and integrating machine learning techniques to enhance the digital tools' capabilities, developing processes for data collection, cleaning, integration, and storage, conducting statistical analyses to identify significant patterns and trends in the data, selecting appropriate machine learning models, developing appropriate feature sets, ensuring the transparency and interpretability of the machine learning models, and working closely with fact-checking experts to ensure that the digital tools meet their needs and reflect the latest developments in the fact-checking field. Overall, the project aims to improve fact-checking and in general Media organizations' decision-making processes by developing digital tools based on the ACH methodology to counter cognitive bias. The ideal candidate for this position is a recent PhD in a quantitative field like computer science, mathematics, physics or statistics with experience in conducting research through the analysis of large datasets. Knowledge of network theory, operation research, machine learning (NLP above all) both supervised and unsupervised, and previous experience in working on applications to social sciences will be highly valued. The ability to implement models and analyze and visualize data using R and/or Python is required, and all further coding skills will be considered a plus. The candidate will work in multidisciplinary teams and environments and collaborate with researchers, professors from diverse backgrounds, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer scientists, but also journalists, students and others. 

Admission to the comparative selection procedure is allowed providing the following requirements, failing which the candidate will be excluded:

1)an Italian second-level qualification known as “Laurea Magistrale” or “Laurea Specialistica”, or else an Italian degree awarded under the former university system (ie prior to D.M. no. 509 of 3 November 1999, as amended by D.M. no. 270 of 22 October 2004);  2. a comparable foreign academic qualification allowing access to Doctoral studies in the issuing country in quantitative field like computer science, mathematics, physics or statistics.

2)Ability to implement models and analyze and visualize data using R and/or Python.

3)Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.

4)Proven experience in conducting research through the analysis of large datasets. Knowledge of network theory, operation research, machine learning (NLP above all) both supervised and unsupervised.

Data Lab coordinates a high-profile international team composed of experts in digital narratives and disinformation in collaboration with different universities and entities. The professionals will collaborate with the entire Data Lab network in achieving the objectives and this includes collaboration with the Italian Digital Media Observatory, the national hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO), with Rai, Tim, PagellaPolitica, NewsGuard, University of Tor Vergata, the Gedi Group with la Repubblica and others national and international supporters

ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS 

1. Ability to implement models and analyze and visualize data using R and/or Python.
2. Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
3. Proven experience in conducting research through the analysis of large datasets. Knowledge of network theory, operations research, statistical learning, machine learning (NLP above all) both supervised and unsupervised.

The following requirements will be positively evaluated:

• Recent Research PhD qualification obtained in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, and similar; 
• Social Network Analysis techniques to understand the diffusion flows of information, with a focus on decoding information spread; 
• Programming Languages, ML, Statistical Analysis, Data Management and Digital Tools Development;
• Understanding of disinformation challenges;
• Technical skills such as data analysis, data visualization, or other relevant technical competencies;
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment and teamwork;
•  Knowledge and interest in the intersection between Artificial Intelligence and Communication
• Communication skills and Multidisciplinary collaborations

If you want to get more information about how to apply for the position, please send us a cv and write us at this e-mail: datalab@luiss.it