Doctoral student in informatics

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Applied Information Technology at the Faculty of Science and Technology is currently announcing a PhD placement in Informatics. This position is part of the national research cluster AI, Power and Politics, funded by WASP-HS.

The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS) is a national research program in Sweden. The vision of WASP-HS is to foster novel interdisciplinary knowledge in the humanities and social sciences about AI and autonomous systems and their impact on human and social development. WASP-HS enables cutting edge research, expertise, and competence building in the humanities and social sciences.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages: https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

About the Department 

At the Department of Applied Information Technology, we conduct critical and interdisciplinary research of the highest quality in an international environment with great relevance to society. We offer popular programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, grounded in research and societal development, providing excellent employment opportunities.

Our researchers are at the heart of the debate, contributing to the explanation and problematisation of IT and societal challenges associated with society's digitalisation.

Here, people’s knowledge and ability to analyse, understand, and manage various aspects of IT, as well as the interaction between humans and technology, are developed in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, "Twin transition," blockchain, digital governance, digital innovation, e-health, the Internet of Things, mobile communication, robots, social media, and IT in schools and education.

About the Division of Informatics

The doctoral student placement will be located at the Division of Informatics and will be accepted for doctoral studies in the subject of Informatics. Informatics is a design-oriented discipline that connects IT artifacts and social sciences with the aim of developing knowledge about various aspects related to the digitalization of society. Here, various aspects of digitalization's prerequisites, opportunities, limitations, challenges and consequences in relation to individuals, organizations and social institutions are studied and problematized.

The Division of Informatics is an expanding division committed to excellence in research and teaching. Our degree programs are designed to meet the needs of both society and business. At undergraduate level, the division offers a full degree in Information Systems covering IT, users and organization. At postgraduate level, the Division offers an international Master´s programme in Digital Leadership with a particular focus on digital innovation, a Master´s programme in Human-CenteredAI and reoccurring commissioned education. Our teaching and research both benefit from strong links with industry.
For more information about the division, see https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-organisation/department-of-applied-it-div-informatics 

Duties   

The PhD candidate will be part of the research cluster AI, Power and Politics (https://www.umu.se/en/research/projects/ai-power-and-politics), funded by the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanities and Society (WASP-HS). The cluster explores how AI technologies influence political decision-making, trust, power relations, and the foundations of democracy. This specific PhD position is based at the University of Gothenburg and focuses on trust and interactivity in AI-driven media formats, as well as their role in societal communication and public discourse.

The candidate will pursue doctoral studies in Informatics, which includes coursework and the completion of a scientific dissertation. The research is expected to be empirically grounded, theoretically informed, and to contribute to new knowledge on how AI reshapes human relations with digital information, technological agents, and political processes. Possible dissertation topics may include user interaction with generative AI systems, shifting conditions for trust in digital environments, or how AI affects perceptions of authenticity and accountability.

The work will be conducted in collaboration with supervisors and members of the WASP-HS cluster, within an environment that promotes interdisciplinary dialogue among Informatics, Media Studies, Social Sciences, and the Humanities. The PhD candidate will participate in seminars, research retreats, and international activities, and is expected to actively contribute to the research environment both within the department and the cluster at large. The PhD student will be affiliated to the WASP-HS Graduate School and is expected to fulfil the requirements of the graduate school.

Doctoral studies comprise four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.    

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.  

Eligibility   

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.  

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:    

1. having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or  
3. the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. 

Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are:

• Having completed a degree at the advanced level or bachelor's level in informatics, information systems, computer and systems sciences, or a closely related subject.
• Having otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge, either within or outside the country.

Assessment criteria   

Among applicants who meet the general and specific eligibility requirements, selection will be based on the applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral studies in Informatics and to carry out independent research within the framework of the AI, Power and Politics research cluster.

In addition, the assessment will be based on the following:

1. Research Plan (max. 2,000 words): A preliminary dissertation proposal that demonstrates clear relevance to the cluster’s thematic focus, theoretical grounding, methodological awareness, and ability to formulate research problems.
2. Degree Project/Thesis: Evaluated according to scholarly quality criteria, with particular attention to analytical rigor, theoretical reflection, and methodological competence.
3. Motivation Letter: Should explain the applicant’s research interests, suitability for an interdisciplinary research environment, and willingness to contribute to the cluster’s thematic orientation.
4. CV and Certificates/Transcripts: Prior education and qualifications, including research or project work related to AI, technology, society, or media.
5. Language Proficiency: Excellent command of English is required.

Additional qualifications that are considered an advantage include:

• Experience with sociotechnical or critical research on AI.
• Capacity for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative methods.

In this recruitment, the University will prioritize candidates who, following an overall assessment of their qualifications and abilities, are deemed to have the best potential to carry out and further develop the tasks associated with the position, collaborate effectively with colleagues, and contribute positively to the development of the research environment.

Admission and employment   

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.   

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.    

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.  

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.   

The position is located at the Department of Applied IT at the University of Gothenburg. The position is temporary, in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Act (HF). The employment is 100% of full-time. The start date for the doctoral studies and subsequent employment is January 19, 2026 or according to agreement.  

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Please note, doctoral studies at the Department of Applied Information Technology require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the Department of Applied Information Technology has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Selection process   

Selection, interviews, and evaluation will be carried out by a local recruitment committee. Final candidates will be invited to an in-person interview in Gothenburg. As part of the selection process, an aptitude test may be included. This test involves both written and oral analysis and reflection on academic texts, aiming to assess the candidate’s ability for conceptual analysis, critical reading, and scholarly communication.

The selection process adheres to the University of Gothenburg’s guidelines and the WASP-HS requirements for open, international, and competitive recruitment. It will take place during September–October. Interviews are scheduled for November.

Contact information 

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Jonas Ivarsson at: jonas.ivarsson@gu.se

Questions regarding the employment process can be directed to the HR officer Axel Bondemark: axel.bondemark@ait.gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:   
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande   

Application   

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system, start by clicking the button “Apply”. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

The application is to be written in English.

The following documents are to be attached:

• Resume / CV and data
• Degrees and diplomas, certificates or other documents
• A motivation letter of no more than one A4 page, outlining the applicant's research interests, suitability for an interdisciplinary research environment, and willingness to contribute to the thematic focus of the cluster
• Bachelor's/Master's thesis and any additional academic qualifications
• Research plan: A preliminary dissertation proposal of no more than 2,000 words
• References

Applications must be received by: 2025-09-15.

  

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

  

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.