The Human Rights and Technology research group at Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Austria, led by Founding Professor Ben Wagner, is inviting applications for two PhD positions. The group investigates how digital infrastructures impact society, democracy, and online governance, drawing on interdisciplinary approaches from social sciences, science and technology studies (STS), law, and computer science. Key research areas include measuring online behavior and governance, empirical legal research into the implementation and interpretation of law, and the governance of AI and online platforms with a focus on accountability and transparency. Research topics span the regulation of digital technologies, the role of technology in shaping societal debates, and the challenges of implementing human rights in online settings. The group addresses questions such as how digital public infrastructures reflect democratic values, what free and fair elections look like in the digital age, and how regulatory frameworks are implemented and evolve in both public and private sectors. The research is highly relevant for those interested in human rights, technology regulation, socio-legal systems, and democratic digital transformations. Applicants should have a strong academic background in law, social sciences, computer science, STS, or related fields, and a keen interest in empirical legal research, AI governance, and digital platforms. The positions are open to candidates who are motivated to contribute to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and society. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Human Rights and Technology research group page or use the provided application link.

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U), Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation, invites applications for two full-time PhD positions in Human Rights & Technology. These positions are part of the IT:U Doctoral School’s PhD-Program COMPUTATIONAL X and are based on-site in Linz, Austria, starting March 2026 under the supervision of Professor Ben Wagner. The Human Rights and Technology Research Group at IT:U explores the intersection of human rights and digital technologies, focusing on how rights such as freedom of expression, privacy, free assembly, fair trial, and free elections are impacted by information and communications technologies. The group brings together expertise from social and political sciences, computer science, science and technology studies (STS), and law to re-imagine the regulation of digital technologies. Research topics include measuring online behavior, socio-legal research, compliance with rules, empirical legal research, governance of AI and online platforms, and issues of accountability and transparency. The group collaborates closely with leading international labs, including the AI Futures Lab on Rights and Justice at TU Delft, and offers opportunities for international mobility and exchange with partners in Europe, North America, and Asia. The program supports professional and personal development, aiming to prepare graduates for careers in academia, industry, or the public sector. Responsibilities include conducting research, writing academic publications, attending conferences, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, assisting in academic teaching, and supporting third-party funding applications. The structured 4-year PhD program features group work, research lab modules, project-integrated courses, and culminates in a thesis defense. Applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, STS, law, HCI, technology and society research, computer science, or a related field. Preferred qualifications include a background in human rights and technology research, independent research experience, publication record, presentation skills, and fluency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent). The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The position offers a competitive gross salary from EUR 3,714.80 (x14) per year (full-time, 40h), unlimited public transportation within Austria (KlimaTicket Ö), and innovative working conditions in an international environment. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. To apply, submit your application via the online form, including your CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter, and up to three recommendation contacts. For questions or expressions of interest, contact Professor Ben Wagner at [email protected].

Interdisciplinary Transformation University (IT:U) in Linz, Austria, invites applications for two full-time PhD positions in Human Rights & Technology within its Doctoral School. IT:U is Austria’s first public interdisciplinary university dedicated to digital transformation for the benefit of society, economy, and environment. The Human Rights and Technology Research Group, led by Professor Ben Wagner, explores the intersection of human rights and digital technologies, focusing on how online platforms, AI, and digital infrastructures impact fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, privacy, and fair elections. PhD students will engage in cutting-edge research on topics including the regulation of digital technologies, governance of AI and online platforms, accountability, transparency, and empirical legal research. The program is highly interdisciplinary, integrating social and political sciences, computer science, STS, and law. Students will measure online behavior, study compliance with rules, and analyze the implementation and interpretation of law in both public and private sectors. The research group collaborates closely with leading international labs, including the AI Futures Lab on Rights and Justice at TU Delft, and offers opportunities for co-supervision with other IT:U professors. Selected candidates benefit from international mobility and exchange, with short stays possible at partner institutions in Europe, North America, and Asia (e.g., TU Delft, University of Utrecht, European University Institute). Responsibilities include conducting independent research, publishing in academic journals, attending conferences, collaborating across disciplines, supporting academic teaching, and assisting with third-party funding applications. The program structure features a 4-year timeline: the first year emphasizes group work, research lab modules, and project-integrated courses, culminating in a PhD proposal presentation. The following years focus on thesis development, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistantships, concluding with thesis submission and defense. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or equivalent in social sciences, STS, law, HCI, technology and society research, computer science, or a related field. Preferred candidates have a background in human rights and technology research, experience in independent research, publication skills, and fluency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent). The ability to work independently and present at international conferences is essential. IT:U offers innovative working conditions in an international research environment, complimentary office kitchen supplies, and the Austrian KlimaTicket Ö for unlimited public transport. The gross annual salary starts at EUR 3,714.80 (x14) for a full-time position, with funding available for up to 4 years. To apply, complete the online application form at https://apply.it-u.at/ and upload your CV, diplomas, transcripts, motivational letter, and up to three contacts for recommendations. For questions or expressions of interest, contact Professor Ben Wagner at [email protected] with your CV before submitting your application. The application deadline is January 31, 2026. IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.