As a network initiative, the Max Planck Artificial Intelligence Network (MP-AIX) depends on the distributed efforts of researchers and staff across many Max Planck Institutes and our ELLIS partners. We established these recruitment standards to foster an environment of integrity, respect and collegiality.

Our standards set out a set of core principles relating to the recruitment and supervision of our doctoral researchers and postdocs. They complement, and are read together with, the Max Planck Society Code of Conduct, whose core values of respect, integrity and transparency apply to everyone in the network. All parties involved in the selection and support of MP-AIX candidates commit to act in a responsible and respectful way towards applicants and colleagues alike, and to provide a fair framework for everyone involved.

Supporting a fair selection process

To maintain a high-quality selection, we rely on the time and expertise of advisors and evaluators participating in the central recruiting. They agree to act in an ethical and professional manner, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Providing an independent and objective assessment of a candidate’s scientific aptitude and potential, with evaluations accompanied by short justifying comments referring to facts in the application materials.
• Being on time, responsible and responsive: any delay imposes additional workload on colleagues and slows the selection procedure.
• Acting with integrity and respecting deadlines: top candidates may attract the interest of several advisors, and applicants must be given the time to find the best match. Candidates must not be pressured into accepting an offer prematurely.

Supporting diversity

MP-AIX values diversity and is committed to building a more diverse and inclusive community. There are many ways in which unconscious bias may shape personal and professional perceptions. It is our shared responsibility to actively reflect on it, name it and address it in order to create a welcoming community across disciplines and institutes.

Protecting privacy

MP-AIX is committed to transparency in its use of personal information. Personal data are processed only as necessary and in compliance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy notice can be found at is.mpg.de/privacy-policy. Advisors and evaluators are obliged to treat all data accessible via the application portal in a strictly confidential manner and agree to comply with the portal's privacy policy, which can be found here.

Ensuring good supervision

Every MP-AIX doctoral researcher is jointly supervised by two advisors who bridge artificial intelligence and a domain science, following the network’s Co-Advising Guidelines. Supervision adheres to the Max Planck Society’s binding standards for doctoral training — including a written supervision agreement and a Thesis Advisory Committee for every candidate — as set out in the Guidelines on the Training of Doctoral Students at the Max Planck Society (overview at mpg.de/doctoral_students).

Improving working conditions

MP-AIX is committed to a healthy, safe and productive work environment for all its researchers, regardless of where they are appointed. Working conditions, local hiring practices and remuneration may nevertheless vary across institutes. Advisors should make this information easily accessible to candidates — for example regarding application requirements, funding schemes and the working conditions in the group — and address further questions in interviews.

Sharing your concerns

If you would like to raise a concern or need assistance resolving a conflict, please contact the MP-AIX coordination team at ai@is.mpg.de. We are also happy to receive any suggestions you may have.