Postdoctoral Researcher in Data and System Science

The Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) is one of the oldest computer science departments in the country and one of the largest departments at Stockholm University, located at the Kista campus in Stockholm.

The field of computer and systems science bridges technology and the humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences. The use and design of IT are contextualized in relation to people, organizations, and society. DSV offers a stimulating research community in an international environment.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-data-och-systemvetenskap/ (https://www.su.se/institutionen-for-data-och-systemvetenskap/).

Project Description

The Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on the project “Examining AI Readiness in non-technical universities: A Critical Approach.” The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council’s educational sciences program. The research project aims to develop a research-based foundation for defining and assessing AI readiness within the framework of university studies in social work. This is done through an examination of how AI readiness is defined in Swedish policies and in university curricula, as well as through an ethnographic study exploring competency requirements in workplaces, thereby identifying potential gaps in competency and knowledge development in university education. The project aims to contribute knowledge on how university teachers in non-technical programs could promote AI readiness to meet workplace competency requirements. The project results will also encompass how non-technical university programs can ensure responsible use of AI within key professions in the public sector.

Responsibilities

Initially, the work will consist of a discourse analysis of national policies (e.g., selected reports from the Agency for Digital Government (DIGG), the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ); the Government Offices, AI Sweden; RISE AI Agenda) and the university's curricula (public documents used in the 19 social work programs in Sweden) regarding the use of AI in the public sector. After this document analysis, an empirical study in workplaces (selected municipalities in Sweden) will be conducted using observations, interviews, focus groups, and workshops. In this study, an ethnographically oriented workplace study will be conducted in various selected Swedish municipalities. The focus of this study is on the challenges and dilemmas that professional social workers face today in their daily work with AI tools.

The responsibilities also include writing an ethics application and a data management plan, managing research data, writing peer-reviewed articles in both Swedish and English, as well as communication and organizing events and meetings in both Swedish and English.

Eligibility Requirements

A postdoctoral researcher is defined as an employee primarily hired for research who has obtained a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Assessment Criteria

The degree must have been obtained no later than when the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, elected positions within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on:

• Research expertise: a documented experience that demonstrates excellence
• Scientific competence through published international and peer-reviewed articles on the use of AI in social services in Sweden
• Professional experience and research competence in municipal social services and analysis of governing documents, with established contacts with municipalities within social services.

Great emphasis will also be placed on:

• Independence: ability to formulate original research ideas and conduct research independently, as well as present at international conferences and academic seminars in both Swedish and English
• Collaboration skills: ability to work in teams, communication skills: ability to fluently express research ideas and results in both Swedish and English
• Experience in writing ethics applications and managing research data in accordance with GDPR
• Awareness of diversity and the importance of equal opportunities, particularly with a focus on gender equality.

About the Employment

The position is full-time and is permanent, but at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date 2025-09-01 or by agreement.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Teresa Cerratto Pargman, phone 073-460 57 47, mailto:tessy@dsv.su.se, or Professor Henricus Verhagen, mailto:verhagen@dsv.su.se.

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the requested documents in the application form. You as the applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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