Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation, invites applications for a PhD Student position in Regulation and Governance of Information Technology. This full-time, up to 4-year position is based in Linz, Austria, and is part of the IT:U Doctoral School’s PhD-Program COMPUTATIONAL X. The position is supervised by Fellow Professor Vladislav Fomin and will commence in March 2026.

The research focus is on RegTech—regulation and governance of IT—addressing the challenges posed by innovative technologies such as agentic AI and autonomous systems. The project explores new forms of regulation and governance to ensure safe and ethical technology use at individual, organizational, and societal levels. Key research themes include controllability, risk, compliance, values, standards-compliant AI, regulatory architecture, governance scenarios for agentic and dual-purpose autonomous systems, and human-centric design principles. The work is primarily situated at the intersection of management and information systems, with interdisciplinary connections to philosophy (ethics), law (governance), and computer science (machine learning).

The RegTech group at IT:U offers a collaborative and international research environment, with opportunities for mobility and exchange with renowned scholars and institutions worldwide. Doctoral students benefit from co-supervision with other IT:U founding professors and comprehensive academic guidance, leveraging the PI’s experience across eight countries. Responsibilities include conducting research, publishing academic work, attending conferences, collaborating across disciplines, supporting teaching activities, and assisting with third-party funding applications.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in information systems, computer science, philosophy (ethics), or a related field, and demonstrate strong motivation and independent thinking. Fluency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent) is required. The position offers a competitive gross salary starting at EUR 3,714.80 per month (full-time, 40h), and includes the Austrian KlimaTicket Ö for unlimited public transportation within Austria. The structured 4-year PhD program features group work, research lab modules, project-integrated courses, interdisciplinary seminars, and culminates in the submission and defense of the PhD thesis.

To apply, candidates should complete the online application form at https://apply.it-u.at/ and upload a CV, bachelor’s and master’s diplomas and transcripts, a motivational letter (max. 2 pages), and up to three contacts for recommendations. For questions or expressions of interest, applicants may contact the principal investigator, Vladislav Fomin, at [email protected] before submitting their application. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.