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Your responsibilities

As a PhD student within CHASS (Centre for Human-AI Swarm Systems), you will work in a multi- and interdisciplinary research project addressing the interaction between autonomous drone swarms and societal actors.

The work involves mapping and analyzing relevant actors and stakeholders, such as public safety agencies, with a focus on how these entities understand, value, and relate to swarm-based services. This includes using and further developing methods such as actor-network analysis, as well as conducting empirical studies such as interviews, workshops, and other forms of qualitative data collection.

The PhD student will further study how central concepts such as trust, utility, risk, and responsibility are shaped in relation to swarming technologies (in air, water, and on land), and contribute to the development of conceptual models for value-based governance of swarms. A particular focus will be on how autonomous units can join or leave swarms based on factors such as priority, urgency, and societal relevance.

The work is carried out in close collaboration with technically oriented researchers and PhD students within CHASS, where the PhD student contributes perspectives from behavioral sciences, design disciplines, or other relevant social sciences. The results are expected to inform the development of swarm behaviors and system solutions that are perceived as understandable, meaningful, and reliable by various stakeholders.

The PhD student will be affiliated with the research environment Human-Centered Systems (HCS) at Linköping University and is expected to actively contribute to this environment. As part of the education, the position also includes a research exchange (secondment) at Lund University, where the PhD student collaborates with the research group for AI and Society at Lund Institute of Technology (LTH).

The work also includes scientific publication, participation in conferences, and collaboration with the project's other partners.

As a PhD student, you devote yourself to your doctoral education and the research project you are part of. Your work may also include teaching or participating in other departmental duties, up to 20 percent of full-time.

Your qualifications

You have completed an advanced level degree in cognitive science, design, or a subject of central importance to cognitive science or design, or alternatively completed courses totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level in cognitive science or design, or a subject of central importance to cognitive science or design (such as Science and Technology Studies, STS, and Human-Computer Interaction, HCI), or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge.

You have documented experience working with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods relevant to the study of socio-technical systems, such as interviews, workshops, user studies, or co-design. Experience in interdisciplinary collaborations and an interest in issues concerning AI, autonomous systems, and their role, significance, or consequences in society are particularly meritorious. Very good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English is a requirement. Knowledge of Swedish or another Scandinavian language is particularly meritorious.

You are analytical, structured, and have a good ability to independently drive research questions forward. You have a strong interest in multi- and interdisciplinary work and good collaboration skills, as the project involves close collaboration with researchers from different disciplines. Furthermore, you are communicative and have the ability to put yourself in the perspective of different actors, which is central to the work with stakeholder analysis and value-based technology development.

The application must include a statement of intent (max 2 pages) where you describe your research interest in relation to the advertised position, your relevant background, and how you can contribute to the project and the interdisciplinary research environment. The statement of intent should also include reflections on which subject orientation – cognitive science or design – you see as most relevant for your PhD project.

Your workplace

HCS is a division at the Department of Computer Science. The division's research and teaching are focused on studying and improving the interaction between humans, technology, and society.

HCS conducts research as well as undergraduate and graduate education in cognitive science, human-computer interaction, design of interactive systems and services, and artificial intelligence from an interdisciplinary perspective.

About the position

Upon commencement of employment, you will be admitted to the doctoral education program. Read more about the doctoral education of the respective faculty https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning (https://liu.se/forskning/forskarutbildning).

The employment is fixed-term for normally four years full-time. Extension of employment up to five years occurs based on the extent of teaching and departmental duties. Further extension may occur under special circumstances. You are initially employed for one year, and thereafter the employment is renewed for up to two years at a time, based on achieved study plan.

Commencement date by agreement, preferably no later than October 1, 2026.

A security check may be conducted before a decision on employment is made.

Salary and benefits

The PhD student salary is regulated based on a locally agreed salary scale. Read more about benefits for employees https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner).

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande).

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must be received by Linköping University no later than August 7, 2026. Applications received after the last application date will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is obvious to safeguard everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with equal conditions (https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/).

We look forward to receiving your application!

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