Vacant job

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities. We have approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We are united in our strive to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Workplace Description

The Department of Technology and Society at LTH has approximately 90 employees. The department has a multidisciplinary research environment that explores the implementation of artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies in society, as well as ethical, social, and legal issues related to this. We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the project Exploring the risk governance mechanisms under the forthcoming EU Artificial Intelligence Act, funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Specific Subject Description

Research on AI and environment governance examines how AI systems are shaped by, and in turn reshape, the environment as well as environment-related perceptions, relationships, practices, and forms of social organization. The field covers AI's resource usage, effects of applications and systemic consequences, as well as the norms, standards, institutional arrangements, and formal regulations through which these are defined, measured, questioned, and governed. As an emerging and interdisciplinary research field, it unites different perspectives to analyze the economic, political, and societal dimensions of AI and environmental changes.

Responsibilities

The main task of the postdoctoral researcher is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included in the duties, but no more than one-fifth of the working time. Within the framework of the employment, there is an opportunity to undergo three weeks of university pedagogical education. The purpose of the employment is to develop independence as a researcher and create conditions for further career advancement.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research within the framework of the ongoing project Exploring the risk governance mechanisms under the forthcoming EU Artificial Intelligence Act, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The project is led by sociologist James White and Stefan Larsson, a legal sociological technology researcher.

The project views the EU's AI Act as an arena where knowledge, practices, and techniques for governing a complex, rapidly changing, and disruptive technology are being established. How do sociotechnical problems (or issues of particular significance) arise? How are they made visible, understood, and handled? How are they positioned or deferred in relation to their broader social and political-economic context? More specifically, the project focuses on how AI's environmental consequences are perceived, negotiated, and made concrete (or not) within the ethical guidelines, legal documents, and harmonized standards that constitute the AI Act, as well as within the work performed by legislators, technical experts, and lobbyists who contributed to its development.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you are expected to contribute, both independently and in collaboration with other researchers in the team, to the development of empirical, theoretical, or conceptual research within the project's framework. You are expected to formulate and investigate research questions, generate and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data, publish scientific articles, and assist in organizing activities and research-related events within the project and the research group.

Qualifications

Eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher is someone who has completed a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a doctoral degree, within the subject area of the employment. Proof that the eligibility requirement is met must be received no later than at the time the employment decision is made. Preference will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been completed earlier.

Other requirements:

• very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• good communication and collaboration skills.
• ability to work independently, plan, and deliver over time.
• ability to generate and analyze quantitative or qualitative research data.

Evaluation Criteria

This is a merit-based position primarily focused on research. The employment is intended as an initial step in the career, and the assessment of applicants will primarily be based on their scientific merits and potential as researchers. Special weight will be attached to scientific ability within the subject area.

When employing a postdoctoral researcher, the following shall form the basis for assessment:

• Good ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
• Pedagogical ability.

Other merits:

• experience of working in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• a disciplinary background at the intersection of social, technical, and environmental aspects of AI governance.

Consideration will be given to how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to complement and strengthen the research within the department/institution and contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means you receive special benefits, generous vacation time, and a favorable occupational pension.

Read more on the university's website about Working with us.

Other

The employment is fixed-term for 2 years and is full-time. The employment is fixed-term according to the collective agreement, "Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher." Desired start date is September 2026 or as agreed.

How to apply

The application should be written in English. It should include a cover letter, CV, and a short research plan describing how you can contribute to the project and how it builds on your previous experience and fits your future goals. The application must also include a copy of the doctoral degree or equivalent and any other documents you wish to submit (copies of grades, referee details, recommendation letters, etc.).

We look forward to receiving your application!

LTH – Lund Institute of Technology – is part of Lund University. At LTH, we educate people, build knowledge for the future, and work hard to develop society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative development of technology, architecture, and design.