If you would like to advance new knowledge about how AI is transforming accountability in welfare state encounters – and you have expertise in Science and Technology Studies (STS), organization studies, sociology, anthropology, or related fields – this post doc position offers a unique opportunity.
As part of the research project AI in the Welfare State: Accountability and Responsibility at Stake (AWARE), led by Professors Helene Friis Ratner and Brit Ross Winthereik, you will investigate how citizens experience encounters involving AI (e.g., algorithmic profiling, chatbots) as part of municipal services and co-develop a framework for responsible AI encounters in Danish municipalities.
The project examines how AI reconfigures accountability by focusing on state-citizen relations in the digitalized welfare state. While AI tools are increasingly implemented, for instance in citizen-facing chatbots to optimize communication and guide access to benefits and public services, little is known about how these systems shape citizens’ possibilities for understanding, contesting, and acting upon specific encounters and administrative decisions. You will be responsible for conducting ethnographic work with citizens in marginalized positions and for leadership of one of AWARE’s subprojects (SP2).
Responsibilities and qualifications
The overall aim of SP2 is to generate in-depth empirical knowledge about how citizens experience and negotiate their position when encountering AI in the welfare state. The project pays particular attention to citizens in socially marginalized positions, recognizing that digitally mediated encounters with the authorities may exacerbate inequalities in access, agency, and rights.
You will conduct a qualitative longitudinal study involving 15 citizens, who will be interviewed and followed over an 8-month period. The project includes at least eight observations per participant as they engage with genAI systems in everyday settings (e.g., at home or in supported environments). Recruitment will take place in collaboration with civil society organizations, including the Danish Red Cross and DaneAge Association.
The study combines interviews and real-time observation of citizen–AI interactions, enabling close analysis of how AI-mediated welfare encounters – and their breakdowns – affect accountability, responsibility, and access to welfare services. Particular attention will be paid to ethical considerations and the power asymmetries involved in researching digitally marginalized populations.
The position includes responsibility for two high-quality international journal articles, responsibility for co-organizing participatory workshops with citizens and case workers.
You will work under the supervision of Ratner and Winthereik and will collaborate closely with one other postdoc. You are expected to contribute actively to the conceptual development of accountability in AI-mediated welfare provision across the AWARE project, the research environment in which the project is hosted and various writing and dissemination activities.
Applicants are required to document:
- Qualifications in Science and Technology Studies (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, due to fieldwork with Danish-speaking participants)
Furthermore, it will be considered an advantage if applicants can document:
- Experience conducting research with vulnerable or marginalized populations.
- Experience with ethical review processes and data protection in sensitive research contexts.
This position offers the opportunity to conduct ambitious qualitative research at the intersection of AI, welfare state transformation, digital inclusion and accountability, and to contribute to an emerging research agenda on human-centered AI in public services.
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Helene Friis Ratner, Section for Organisation Science and Technology, Division for Technology and Business Studies, DTU Management.
You can read more about DTU Management at www.man.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 June 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
- A proposal for research to be undertaken within the stated framework of the project (max. two pages, including references)
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.