The ERC LawAtWork PhD Scholarship at the University of Glasgow offers an exciting opportunity to investigate the impact of novel workplace technologies, such as AI and algorithmic management, on employment law enforcement and compliance. This project is designed to test the hypothesis that breaches of employment law may become more difficult to detect, remedy, and prevent when advanced technologies are used to recruit, manage, and monitor workers. The research aims to identify both the challenges and potential solutions in this evolving landscape.

Methodologically, the project begins by mapping current and emerging practices in 'people analytics', 'management by algorithm', and other technological applications in the workplace. Drawing on scholarly and industry literature, the research will employ doctrinal legal analysis and conduct in-depth interviews with managers and workers. The goal is to pinpoint situations where technology either encourages compliance with employment law or facilitates legal breaches, and to clarify the 'accountability gap' that arises when decisions are made by technology rather than humans.

The LawAtWork research group, led by Professor Ruth Dukes, is funded by the European Research Council (ERC Advanced Grant No. 101198387). Professor Dukes is a renowned expert in labour law, and the group is engaged in a broad programme of research on employment law enforcement and compliance across the European Union. The group uses interdisciplinary methods to understand why breaches occur and to explore the consequences for public faith in the rule of law. The team includes a senior researcher, Dr Eleanor Kirk, three postdoctoral researchers, and two PhD students, and is based in the School of Law with strong connections to other labour law and LPR researchers. Members also have the opportunity to join the GLEW (Glasgow Labour, Employment and Work) interdisciplinary research network.

Eligibility criteria require applicants to hold a good Bachelor or Masters degree (or international equivalent) in law, sociology, industrial relations, or human resource management, and to demonstrate a clear interest in employment law and work relations. The scholarship is available as a full-time, four-year PhD programme only. The funding package includes an annual maintenance grant (stipend) at the UKRI rate, tuition fees at the standard home or international rate, and a Research Training Support Grant of up to £940 per year.

The application deadline is March 16, 2026. Prospective candidates should prepare their CV, academic transcripts, and a statement of interest, and apply online via the University of Glasgow's PhD application portal. For further details, refer to the project link provided.