Position available within the research project entitled: “Digital Finance - Reaching New Frontiers (DIGITALthrough the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions for Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN). For all instructions and templates to be used during the application phase, it is ESSENTIAL to consult the call for recruitment available at the following link: Call for Recruitment: MSCA Digital Finance Project IRP 10 | www.scienzepolitiche.unina.it

We are looking for a highly motivated and creative PhD candidate interested in advanced statistical modelling with application to Green AI, a concept with multiple applications in the financial field.

From a methodological point of view, the candidate will have to deal with statistical models capable of processing complex data systems. In particular, models for categorical data. From an application perspective, the project provides reports on pricing and risk management of green financial instruments in all asset classes, with a focus on new product development, model validation, model risk management, funding and counterparty risk, fair and prudent valuation, and applications. The project also aims to carry out studies on financial inclusion and inequality. During the project, the candidate will work closely with industry and with a doctoral training network spread across Europe, including extended research stays abroad.

The successful applicant will join the Dep. of Political Science, University of Naples Federico II.

Background 

This Ph.D. position is the one of the two positions at the University of Naples Federico II and one of 19 in the context of the international Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions project DIGITAL. For the general description of DIGITAL and the Ph.D. positions, please check https://www.digital-finance-msca.com/.  

DIGITAL's main goal? To significantly advance the methodologies and business models for Digital Finance through the use of five interconnected research objectives https://www.digital-finance-msca.com/: 

1. Ensure sufficient data quality to contribute to the EU's efforts of building a single digital market for data 
2. Address deployment issues of complex artificial intelligence models for real-world financial problems 
3. Validate the utility of state-of-the-art explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) algorithms to financial applications and extend existing frameworks 
4. Design risk management tools concerning the applications of the Blockchain technology in Finance 
5. Simulate financial markets and evaluate products with a sustainability component 

The description here focuses on the specific position " Experimenting with Green AI to reduce processing time and contributes to creating a low-carbon economy (IRP 10)" (mainly included in WP5 Sustainability of digital finance), outlining the project's key take aways and desired skillset of prospective candidates. 

The challenge 

This research objective focuses on experimenting with green AI concepts in multiple applications in finance, analysing economical and practical impact of its deployment in industry. It facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas and cooperation opportunities in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Sustainable Finance, and ESG Technology

This Ph.D. project is committed to a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between finance and sustainable business models, with a specific focus on credit risk assessment through the use of AI. Our goal is to provide innovative AI tools and models to businesses and society to promote sustainable financial strategies based on principles of sustainability, fairness, and transparent credit risk assessment. 

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via email to leonese@unina.it, with a cc to ludovicamariafrancesca.danna@unina.it, and the subject line should read "APPLICATION MSCA DIGITAL IRP 10" (CV, COVER LETTER, SELF DECLARATION OF HONOUR), by the given deadline. In order to be eligible, the online application form must be submitted together with a set of due application documents, each using the templates provided at the same link of this notice (Call for Recruitment: MSCA Digital Finance Project IRP 10 | www.scienzepolitiche.unina.it).

Furthermore, you must send an academic record with scan of the degree qualifications (Documents proving your educational level and field of study) and a copy of your passport/ID.