PhD position in Public Administration & Digitalisation

The scientific focus of the PhD-project is to analyse conditions for responsible use of AI in different institutional settings. The project is expected to expand theoretical and empirical knowledge about implementation processes and the use of advanced technologies in contexts of wicked problem-solving, institutional change and leadership. For this PhD position, we welcome applications from candidates with excellent qualitative and/or quantitative methodological skills. Furthermore, experience with developing experimental or quasi-experimental designs for social science research. is considered an advantage but not a requirement.

We welcome particularly applications from candidates with a scientific background in political science, public administration, management studies and/or Information Systems(IS). Candidates with alternative scientific backgrounds and interests in AI-led political and organizational transformation are also encouraged to apply.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master’s degree or expect to have obtained the Master’s degree before the employment date(Statement from thesis supervisor, verified transcripts, thesis contract and documentation of the date of the exam must be enclosed). According to the PhD Order, the PhD study comprises among other requirements: Participation in active research environments, including stays at other, mainly foreign, research institutions, private research enterprises etc. 

The PhD-scholarship is completed in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the PhD Program at Danish universities, and enrolment at the Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Humanities is mandatory. The Department of Politics& Society is organized in four disciplinary clusters and the successful applicant will be affiliated with the Public Administration& Digitalization cluster. The successful candidate is expected to participate actively in research group activities, the research environment of the REPAI project more broadly, and to conduct a part of the program at a research institution abroad.

The following areas are either required or emphasized:

• Good/excellent grades in relevant subjects, including the master's thesis, according to the Danish 7-point grading scale (https://ufm.dk/en/education/the-danish-education-system/grading-system/grading-system ).
• Proficiency in written Danish and English
• Qualifications in research methods
• Interest in the potential impact of emerging AI-technologies on public and private institutions, governance, regulation and institutional change

The application must include the following:

• Letter of motivation
• Project proposal(max. 5 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Required diplomas and certificates including academic transcripts
• Co-author statement for all enclosed co-authored publications, specifying the extent of the applicant’s contribution to the total work and be signed by the co-authors.
• Application for credit transfer if relevant.

The complete application including attachments shall be sent electronically by selecting the "apply online" function on AAU’s job-portal https://www.stillinger.aau.dk/ (not other online job portals that may have reposted the position). Please note that zipped files are not supported by the recruitment system, please upload only Word or PDF files.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the deadline for applications, the head of the department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not. Project descriptions may be tested for plagiarism in the IT system iThenticate.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

General information
It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at The Doctoral School of Social Sciences and Humanities, in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of 27 August 2013(PhD Order). 

Contact
For further information about the project, please contact Professor Jeppe Agger Nielsen at [email protected] .

For further information about the Department of Politics& Society, please contact head of Department, professor Michael Baggesen Klitgaard [email protected]  

Any enquiries relating to the application procedure should be addressed to the Doctoral School on mail: [email protected]

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021, on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular on the employment structure at Danish Universities. AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.