Postdoc Position in Social Sciences

Lund University

Reference Number: PA2026/928
Institution: Lund University
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering (LTH)
Research Cluster: WASP-HS – The AI Welfare State
Location: Lund, Sweden
Employment Type: Temporary, full-time (100%)
Duration: 2 years
Start Date: September 2026 or as agreed
Application Deadline: 17 May 2026

Institution Overview

Founded in 1666, Lund University hosts ~47,000 students and over 8,800 staff. The university is ranked among the world’s top universities and encourages diversity, gender equality, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The postdoc will join the WASP-HS research cluster The AI Welfare State, a national cross-disciplinary initiative involving Lund University, Karlstad University, and Södertörn University.

Subject Area

  • AI and its societal implications, focusing on welfare and the public sector
  • Social science-oriented but multidisciplinary research
  • The position is primarily based in the AI and Society research group led by Stefan Larsson at LTH

Work Duties

  • Conduct high-quality research on AI, algorithms, and automation impacts on the public sector
  • Contribute to a well-defined sub-project in dialogue with principal investigators
  • Collect empirical data (policy analysis, interviews, participant observation, literature studies)
  • Present research at seminars and conferences (national and international)
  • Author scientific articles, reports, and accessible texts in English, Swedish, or other Scandinavian languages
  • Optional teaching duties: up to 20% of working hours
  • Participate in three weeks of higher education teaching and learning training

Qualification Requirements

  • PhD or equivalent international degree in a relevant field (social sciences, science & technology studies, sociology of law, political science, public administration, etc.)
  • Degree certificate must be obtained before employment decision
  • Priority for degrees completed within the last 3 years; older degrees considered under special circumstances

Additional Requirements:

  • Very good oral and written proficiency in English and Swedish (or another Scandinavian language)
  • Knowledge and experience of social science methods
  • Ability to work independently in interdisciplinary projects
  • Experience studying AI, algorithms, data, or automation effects on public sector institutions, preferably critically

Assessment Criteria

  • Research qualifications and potential as a researcher (primary focus)
  • Ability to develop and conduct high-quality research
  • Teaching skills
  • Relevant publications and experience complementing ongoing research within the group

Employment Terms

  • Full-time, fixed-term, 2 years
  • Benefits include generous annual leave and occupational pension scheme
  • Governed by “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor”

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted via Lund University’s recruitment system and include:

  1. Cover Letter (2–3 pages): Explain your interest and how the project aligns with your research background
  2. Degree Certificate or equivalent
  3. Additional Documents (optional): Grade transcripts, referees, recommendation letters, etc.

Applications may be written in English or a Scandinavian language.

Contact Information

Apply