Predoctoral position to conduct a PhD on Transparency, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Information Access Systems

Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid); España; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

FPI contract

Research environment

Job summary

The Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) invites applications for a full-time predoctoral research position leading to a PhD within the Doctoral Program in Computer Science and Telecommunications Engineering. The project focuses on transparent, inclusive, and sustainable information access systems.

The successful candidate will conduct doctoral research in information retrieval and recommender systems, apply AI/ML techniques including large language models, and

Qualifications

• Academic background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and information retrieval.
• Interest in developing trustworthy, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable intelligent information access systems.
• Willingness to pursue a PhD within the Doctoral Program at UAM.
• Previous research experience in recommender systems, information retrieval, or related areas.
• Knowledge of explainable AI, fairness-aware ML, responsible AI, or bias mitigation.
• Familiarity with large language models, multi-agent systems, or context-aware recommendation.
• Experience in scientific writing, research publications, or participation in research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research in information retrieval and recommender systems, focusing on transparency, inclusion, and/or sustainability in intelligent information access systems.
• Design, develop, and evaluate novel algorithms, models, and methods to improve explainability, fairness, inclusiveness, and/or sustainability of information retrieval and recommendation processes.
• Investigate and apply AI/ML techniques, including large language models, multi-agent systems, and context-aware approaches.
• Design and conduct experimental evaluations using relevant datasets, benchmarks, and evaluation methodologies.
• Publish and disseminate research findings through scientific publications and conferences.
• Contribute to the collaborative research activities of the AIRA group and participate in project meetings.

Skills

Artificial intelligence

Machine learning

Programming skills

Analytical thinking

Independent work

Scientific research ability

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science or AI

Job description

Organisation/Company Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) Department Escuela Politécnica Superior, Departamento de Ingeniería Informática Research Field Computer science Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Advanced Information Retrieval and Access (AIRA) research group at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain, invites applications for a full-time predoctoral research position leading to a PhD within the Doctoral Program in Computer Science and Telecommunications Engineering. The position is funded by the Spanish national research project Transparency, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Information Access Systems (TISIAS) (PID2025-167968NB-I00).

The project aims to develop intelligent information access systems that are transparent, inclusive, and sustainable. It addresses key challenges in information retrieval and recommender systems, including explainability, fairness, bias mitigation, environmental and social sustainability, and adaptation to diverse user needs and contexts. The research will explore emerging approaches such as explainable artificial intelligence, large language models, multi-agent architectures, and context-aware adaptation, with the goal of developing and evaluating more interpretable, equitable, and responsible information access systems.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct doctoral research in information retrieval and recommender systems, focusing on transparency, inclusion, and/or sustainability in intelligent information access systems.
• Design, develop, and evaluate novel algorithms, models, and methods to improve the explainability, fairness, inclusiveness, and/or sustainability of information retrieval and recommendation processes.
• Investigate and apply relevant artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, including large language models, multi-agent systems, and context-aware approaches, where appropriate.
• Design and conduct experimental evaluations using relevant datasets, benchmarks, and evaluation methodologies.
• Publish and disseminate research findings through scientific publications, international conferences, and other academic activities.
• Contribute to the collaborative research activities of the AIRA group and participate in project meetings and related scientific dissemination activities.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a closely related field.
• Solid knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Knowledge of information retrieval, recommender systems, or related areas.
• Ability to conduct scientific research, analyze experimental results, and communicate findings clearly.
• Good programming skills and familiarity with experimental research methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, motivation for doctoral research, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Specific Requirements

Mandatory requirements:

• Academic background in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and information retrieval.
• Interest in developing trustworthy, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable intelligent information access systems.
• Willingness to pursue a PhD within the Doctoral Program in Computer Science and Telecommunications Engineering at UAM.
• Previous research experience in recommender systems, information retrieval, or related areas.
• Knowledge of explainable artificial intelligence, fairness-aware machine learning, responsible AI, or bias mitigation.
• Familiarity with large language models, multi-agent systems, or context-aware recommendation.
• Experience in scientific writing, research publications, or participation in research projects.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

• A full-time predoctoral employment contract FPI funded by a Spanish national research project.
• Integration into the AIRA research group and participation in an active research environment in information retrieval and recommender systems.
• The opportunity to contribute to internationally relevant research on explainable, fair, inclusive, and sustainable artificial intelligence.
• Opportunities to disseminate research findings through scientific publications and academic conferences, subject to project resources and applicable arrangements.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant UAM predoctoral recruitment call and the admission requirements for the corresponding doctoral program. Specific eligibility conditions, including any requirements concerning qualifications, academic records, and previous funding or employment, are those established in the official call.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed in accordance with the applicable FPI and UAM recruitment procedures. Relevant assessment criteria are expected to include academic qualifications and records, knowledge of the research areas, relevant research experience, technical skills, and the candidate's suitability and motivation for the proposed doctoral project.