Postdoctoral Position in Information Technology

Reference number PAR 2025/392
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
Doctoral student in Information Systems with Focus on the Impact of Generative AI on Organizational Dynamics and Work Environment

About the Department 

At the Department of Applied Information Technology, we conduct critical and interdisciplinary research of the highest quality in an international environment with great relevance to society. We offer popular programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, grounded in research and societal development, providing excellent employment opportunities.
Our researchers are at the heart of the debate, contributing to the explanation and problematisation of IT and societal challenges associated with society's digitalisation.
Here, people’s knowledge and ability to analyse, understand, and manage various aspects of IT, as well as the interaction between humans and technology, are developed in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, "Twin transition," blockchain, digital governance, digital innovation, e-health, the Internet of Things, mobile communication, robots, social media, and IT in schools and education.
The department is located in the knowledge-intensive cluster at Campus Lindholmen, where it has well-developed cooperation with industry and the public sector, as well as civil society.

About the Division of Informatics

The doctoral student placement will be located at the Division of Informatics and will be accepted for doctoral studies in the subject of Informatics. Informatics is a design-oriented discipline that connects IT artifacts and social sciences with the aim of developing knowledge about various aspects related to the digitalization of society. Here, various aspects of digitalization's prerequisites, opportunities, limitations, challenges and consequences in relation to individuals, organizations and social institutions are studied and problematized.
The Division of Informatics is an expanding division committed to excellence in research and teaching. Our degree programs are designed to meet the needs of both society and business. At undergraduate level, the division offers a full degree in Information Systems covering IT, users and organization. At postgraduate level, the Division offers an international Master´s programme in Digital Leadership with a particular focus on digital innovation, a Master´s programme in Human-CenteredAI and reoccurring commissioned education. Our teaching and research both benefit from strong links with industry.
For more information about the division, see https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-organisation/department-of-applied-it-div-informatics 
 
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages. https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties   

Artificial intelligence and automation are increasingly shaping the modern workplace in software development. Tools like GitHub Copilot are expected to make software developers faster and more productive, but the specific impact of new technologies, especially generative AI, on jobs and work dynamics remains uncertain. As newer and more powerful models become available, software developers are becoming more dependent on model-generated suggestions for new source code, test cases, or design alternatives.
This research will address two main objectives: exploring micro-level changes in work environments and examining the theoretical and practical implications of generative AI on organizational dynamics within software development companies. The research requires an understanding of software development and the use of generative AI in that context—for example, source code models from Hugging Face and frameworks such as LangChain or Ollama.
This doctoral student  placement is part of the Continuous Digitalization (CoDig) Competence Center. CoDig is a collaboration between companies in the field of software-intensive systems and five Swedish universities. CoDig’s mission is to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Swedish industry by enabling the transformation of software-intensive system industries into modern, world-leading digitalized industries. As part of our team, you will work with industrial partners within CoDig early in your doctoral program, giving you the opportunity to combine academic research with insights and experience from industry.
For more information about Codig: https://www.software-center.se/codig/
Doctoral education comprises four years of full-time study and leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
The successful applicant will be admitted to the doctoral program in Information Systems, which aims to lead to a PhD in the subject. The education spans four years of full-time study, corresponding to 240 ECTS credits, and consists of a number of doctoral-level courses as well as a qualified research work, which must be reported in written form in English as a doctoral thesis. The doctoral education is carried out under the supervision of one principal supervisor and two assistant supervisors. The supervisors are responsible for supporting the doctoral student’s development in terms of sound research practices, methodology, analytical skills, and theoretical depth and breadth. The research results will be communicated through scientific publications, conference presentations, and a doctoral thesis. To obtain a PhD in Information Systems at the Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Gothenburg, a doctoral student must pass all required courses and examinations outlined in the study plan and must have written and successfully defended a doctoral thesis at a public defence.
As a doctoral student in Informatics specializing in generative AI and its influence on the nature of work, you will undertake the following major tasks:
Conduct independent research on how generative AI is reshaping work processes and roles, with a particular focus on the digital transformation of organizations;Collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data;Publish scientific articles in international journals and present findings at conferences;Collaborate with academic and industry partners to connect research with practical applications.As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period, and result in a corresponding extension of the studies. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration. 

Eligibility   

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.  
The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:    
having completed a degree at second-cycle level, orthe fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or  the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements for this subject, according to the general syllabus, are: 
Having obtained a degree at the first- or second-cycle level in Informatics, Software Engineering or other closely related and relevant fieldsHaving competence and experience in programming with Python and a basic understanding of programming in C and C++;Having an understanding of machine learning, including both classical ML and generative AI;Having knowledge of data handling for generative AI applications. 

Assessment criteria   

We are looking for a motivated individual for doctoral studies in the subject of Information Systems.
The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. This ability should be demonstrated through documented knowledge in the field of Informatics, Software Engineering, scientific theory and methodology, as well as experience in conducting scientific research. Particular emphasis will be placed on documented qualifications relevant to the specific eligibility criteria. Documented experience from working in industry is considered a merit. Furthermore, experience with generative AI (GenAI) and its applications in industry is especially meritorious.
We are seeking a doctoral student with a genuine interest in issues related to GenAI and the opportunities and challenges associated with these areas. A central part of the research will focus on Swedish public agencies and organizations, which is why very good skills in Swedish is a requirement. Very good skills in English are also a requirement , as the research findings and the dissertation will be written and presented in English.
We are looking for someone who can work independently and professionally within a team, communicate effectively with colleagues from various academic disciplines, take initiative, and independently organize and drive their work forward. You should be structured and meticulous, with a professional and positive attitude.
In this recruitment, the University will primarily consider the candidate who, following an overall assessment of competence and skills, is deemed to have the best pre-requisites to conduct and develop current tasks of the position, collaborate with other staff as well as and contribute to the positive development of the organization.
Great emphasis is placed on personal suitability.

Admission and employment   

Once you have been admitted to doctoral studies, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.   
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.    
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.  
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at doctoral level for four years.   
The position is located at the Department of Applied IT at the University of Gothenburg. The position is temporary, in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Act (HF). The employment is 100% of full-time.The start date is 2025-09-01 or according to agreement.  
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Please note, doctoral studies at The department of Applied Information Technology require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, The department of Applied Information Technology has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Selection process   

Selection, interviews, and assessment will be carried out by a local recruitment committee.
Very good skills in both Swedish and English are required and will be evaluated during the interview process. Also other work tests can be included as a part of the selection process.
The position is security classified and a security clearance may be conducted.
 

Contact information 

If you have questions about the project, please contact Senior Lecturer Nataliya Berbyuk Lindström +46733 26 87 16 nataliya.berbyuk.lindstrom@ait.gu.se or Professor Miroslaw Staron miroslaw.staron@gu.se
Questions regarding the employment process can be directed to the HR officer Emil Fägerwall Tawfik: 031-786 29 04 emil.fagerwall.tawfik@ait.gu.s

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:   
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande   

Application   

You apply for doctoral studies through the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   
The application must be written in English and should include the following:
A motivation letter explaining why you want to pursue doctoral studies in the specific area and how you meet the eligibility criteria (max one A4 page)A research plan describing your proposed research related to GenAI and its impact on work processes (max 2000 words excluding references)A certified CVCopies of transcripts, course certificates, and gradesA copy of your master’s thesis (or equivalent), and any other relevant publicationsCopies of scientific articles that you have co-authored (if applicable)Copies of employment certificates and any other relevant documentationA certificate for work experience (if applicable)Contact details for two references familiar with your qualifications 
  
Applications must be received by:  2025-08-14

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 
 
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com