Postdoctoral Appointments in Political Science – AI and the Welfare State Karlstad University in Sweden

Karlstad University invites applications for postdoctoral appointments in political science, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the welfare state. The positions are based in the Department of Political, Historical, Religious and Cultural Studies within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The research is part of the interdisciplinary cluster 'The AI Welfare State,' which investigates the democratic and political implications of AI, particularly regarding vulnerabilities in public sector governance, such as misinformation, foreign infrastructure dependence, and bias in automated decision-making.

The cluster is integrated into the national research programme WASP-HS (Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society), funded by the Wallenberg Foundations, and brings together researchers from several Swedish and international institutions. The successful candidates will independently conduct and publish research, present findings at conferences, and actively participate in seminars, workshops, and collaborative activities within the research cluster and the Power, Politics and Governing (PPG) group. The positions may include up to 20% teaching or administrative duties.

Applicants must have completed a PhD in political science or a related field within the last three years (exceptions for special circumstances apply). Required qualifications include high proficiency in Swedish and English, experience in research on AI, algorithmic governance, automation, and digitalisation, and strong analytical and methodological skills. The university values international experience, interdisciplinary research, and recognised teaching skills. The appointments are full-time, fixed-term for two years, with possible extension and funding for conference participation.

Applications must be submitted via the Varbi recruitment tool and include a CV, personal statement, research proposal, list of publications, proof of PhD, thesis, relevant publications, language skills, and two references. The deadline for applications is 17 May 2026. For more information about the research environment and application process, visit the university’s website or the WASP-HS programme page.