luc.rocher

Advisees

Current advisees:

Former advisees:

PhD / DPhil in social data science

I am currently looking for motivated students to start a PhD in 2024-25. Projects are defined in close collaboration with the student, but could tackle, for example: critical looks at the use and impact of privacy-enhancing technologies on academic research and society, the impact of AI and algorithms on digital platforms and data sharing, and the use and misuse of machine learning for social good. As a general rule, I am interested in human-centred and critical approaches to study data-centric technology, algorithm auditing, and privacy engineering.

I am looking for candidates with a background in applied mathematics, computer science and HCI, and complex systems to critically explore the harms of technology, answer novel questions with the potential to change how people, policymakers, and civil society engage with technology, and co-design better digital futures.

Diversity. The Oxford Internet Institute is committed to enhancing diversity and promoting equality of opportunity amongst all our staff and students. I particularly encourage applicants of all backgrounds and ages to apply, in particular women, disabled, BAME, LGBTQIA+ candidates as well as candidates from working-class backgrounds who face difficulties accessing academia, and will do my best to support your application. oSTEM and Queer in AI have been running a financial aid support scheme to help cover admission costs (as well as application reviews!), which will hopefully run in 2023/24 too.

Logistics. The OII uses a centralised application system on which the full application (CV, research statement, transcripts, and recommendation letters) needs to be submitted by the deadline (please select Dr. Luc Rocher as the “proposed supervisor”). The departmental deadline will be early January 2024 for final applications. Interested candidates are, however, strongly encouraged to contact me in fall 2023 to discuss proposal, funding, and research direction.

Inquries If you have any additional query, please send me an email titled ‘SDS DPhil Supervision FIRSTNAME LASTNAME’ at x@y with x=luc.rocher and y=oii.ox.ac.uk. In your email, please briefly: (a) introduce yourself, (b) suggest how our research interests complement each other, (c) suggest 2-3 areas of research you’d be interested to work on with me. While your research can and will change over time, do note that the OII and scholarship committees will decide to admit you based on your research proposal, so you need a clear proposal by January 2024.

Please see the following pages for advice on how to send emails to faculty and writing a CV (as well as sample CVs).

(Postdoctoral) research associate positions

I am currently not recruiting for research assistant and associate positions.

I welcome applications for postdoctoral research. Unfortunately, I do not have funding available at the moment. However, if you want to propose a collaboration based on an externally-funded postdoctoral scholarship, please get in touch. Here are some potential funding opportunities:

  • EU Marie-Curie (MSCA) Fellowship
  • EPSRC Post-Doctoral Fellowship
  • ESRC postdoctoral fellowships
  • Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowship
  • Royal Academy of Engineering Fellowship
  • British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships

Prospective Visitors and Internships

The Oxford Internet Institute welcome applications from academic scholars and PhD students who wish to spend 3-6 months at Oxford. The Academic Visitor status has restarted in 2022/23 and we have a very limited number of places so please contact me in advance if you would like to visit and collaborate.