Postdoc in technology and society – the AI welfare State

Description of the workplace

This two-year postdoc will be part of the WASP-HS research cluster The AI ​​Welfare State. The research cluster is a cross-university and cross-disciplinary collaboration led by researchers at Lund University, Karlstad University and Södertörn University. 

This postdoc will primarily work in the research group for AI and society led by Stefan Larsson at LTH in Lund. The group focuses on social science-oriented but multidisciplinary issues linked to AI. The group collaborates e.g. over several faculties, including medicine, law, the social sciences and the humanities, as well as with research environments in for example Finland, Brazil, Italy and Japan. 

The postdoc position and the cluster is part of The Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS), which 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.

Subject description

The subject deals with implications of AI and automation for welfare and the public sector.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

The postdoc contributes to the research cluster through a well-defined sub-project formulated in a dialogue with the PIs. The project should primarily engage with Swedish or Nordic welfare contexts and may incorporate comparative perspectives in between, or involving, for instance, Japan.

The 5-year WASP-HS cluster started in the fall of 2025. The cluster develops theoretical and empirical knowledge of emerging AI vulnerabilities related to issues of governance, imaginaries, and emerging technology-impacted practices. 

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Empirical data collection, for example, policy document analysis, stakeholder interviews, participant observation, and/or literature studies.
• Presentations at seminars and conferences, for example, at international or Nordic conferences, the Swedish and WASP-HS research communities, and within the cluster and research group.
• Authoring scientific articles in English, and possibly also reports or shorter accessible texts in English, Swedish or another relevant Scandinavian language.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English and Swedish, or another Scandinavian language. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of social science methods
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary projects, plan and deliver over time.
• Experience in social science research or studies in relevant disciplines, for example science and technology studies, sociology of law, political science, public administration studies, sociology.
• Experience in research on how AI, algorithms, data or automation affect the public sector, preferably from a critical perspective.

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Relevant scientific publications

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the research group, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. Entry into the position in September 2026 or as agreed. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in a Scandinavian language or English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background (2-3 pages). 

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)