Postdoctoral Researcher in AI and Welfare State Encounters
DTU Management
Job Overview
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Job Description
Postdoctoral Researcher in Citizens’ Encounters with AI in the Danish Welfare State
Advance new knowledge about how AI is transforming accountability in welfare state encounters. This postdoc position offers a unique opportunity for individuals with expertise in Science and Technology Studies (STS), organization studies, sociology, anthropology, or related fields.
Project Overview: AI in the Welfare State: Accountability and Responsibility at Stake (AWARE)
Led by Professors Helene Friis Ratner and Brit Ross Winthereik, this project investigates how citizens experience encounters involving AI (e.g., algorithmic profiling, chatbots) within municipal services. You will co-develop a framework for responsible AI encounters in Danish municipalities.
Research Focus
The project examines how AI reconfigures accountability by focusing on state-citizen relations in the digitalized welfare state. While AI tools are increasingly implemented to optimize communication and guide access to services, there is limited understanding of how these systems shape citizens’ ability to understand, contest, and act upon administrative decisions. This role involves conducting ethnographic work with citizens in marginalized positions and leading one of AWARE’s subprojects (SP2).
SP2 Responsibilities and Qualifications
The primary goal of SP2 is to generate in-depth empirical knowledge about citizens' experiences and negotiations of their position when encountering AI in the welfare state. Special attention will be given to citizens in socially marginalized positions, recognizing that digitally mediated encounters may exacerbate inequalities. You will conduct a qualitative longitudinal study involving 15 citizens, interviewed and followed over an 8-month period, with at least eight observations per participant. Recruitment will be in collaboration with civil society organizations such as the Danish Red Cross and DaneAge Association.
Methodology and Ethical Considerations
The study combines interviews and real-time observation of citizen–AI interactions to analyze how AI-mediated welfare encounters affect accountability, responsibility, and access to services. Ethical considerations and power asymmetries in researching digitally marginalized populations will be paramount.
Deliverables and Collaboration
This position includes responsibility for two high-quality international journal articles and co-organizing participatory workshops with citizens and caseworkers. You will work under the supervision of Professors Ratner and Winthereik, collaborating closely with another postdoc. Active contribution to conceptual development, research environment activities, and dissemination is expected.
Required Qualifications
- PhD degree (or equivalent) in STS, organization studies, sociology, anthropology, digital sociology, public administration, or related fields.
- Strong qualitative methodological expertise, including ethnography and/or longitudinal interview studies.
- An internationally oriented research profile, documented through a PhD dissertation and/or research publications.
- Experience independently managing empirical research projects.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in Danish (required for fieldwork).
Advantageous Qualifications
- Experience conducting research with vulnerable or marginalized populations.
- Experience with ethical review processes and data protection.
What We Offer
DTU is a globally recognized technical university offering a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We emphasize academic excellence, collegial respect, and academic freedom.
Employment Details
The appointment is for 2 years, full-time, starting September 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Employment terms are based on a collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.
Application Procedure
Submit your complete online application by June 1, 2026 (23:59 Danish time) as one PDF file. The file must include: Application (cover letter), CV, Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD), List of publications, and a research proposal (max two pages). All materials should be in English.
Key skills/competency
- Science and Technology Studies (STS)
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Ethnography
- Longitudinal Studies
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Public Administration
- AI Ethics
- Welfare State
- Citizen Engagement
How to Get Hired at DTU Management
- Tailor your CV: Highlight your PhD, publications, and qualitative research experience, especially ethnography and longitudinal studies.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Directly address the requirements, showcasing your expertise in STS, sociology, or anthropology and your research proposal for the project.
- Showcase research management skills: Provide examples of independently managing empirical research projects and collaborating effectively.
- Demonstrate language proficiency: Clearly state your Danish language skills and any experience with vulnerable populations or ethical review processes.
- Submit on time: Ensure all required documents are included in a single PDF and submitted before the June 1, 2026 deadline.
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