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, 4-year doctoral opportunity is based in Linz, Austria, and is part of the IT:U Doctoral School’s PhD-Program COMPUTATIONAL X. The position is led by Fellow Professor Vladislav Fomin, an experienced academic with international expertise.

The research focus centers on RegTech—regulation and governance of IT—addressing the challenges posed by innovative technologies such as agentic AI and autonomous systems. The project aims to develop 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 management, 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 in management and information systems but is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on 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, labs, and universities worldwide. Co-supervision with other IT:U founding professors is supported, and doctoral students benefit from comprehensive academic guidance. Professional and personal development is emphasized, with the PI’s experience spanning eight countries.

Responsibilities include conducting original research, publishing academic papers, attending conferences, collaborating with interdisciplinary research groups, assisting in academic teaching (up to 2 weekly credit hours), supporting third-party funding applications, and adhering to IT:U’s academic and ethical standards.

Applicants should be motivated and possess a strong interest in the intersection of management, information systems, IT, and AI. A master’s degree or equivalent in information systems, computer science, philosophy (ethics), or a related field is required. Candidates must be able to work independently and demonstrate fluency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent).

IT:U offers innovative working conditions, including an office kitchen with complimentary supplies and the Austrian KlimaTicket Ö for unlimited public transport. The gross monthly salary starts at EUR 3,714.80 (full-time, 40h). The structured PhD program includes group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses in the first year, followed by thesis development, interdisciplinary seminars, and project assistant work. The program culminates in the submission and defense of the PhD thesis after four years.

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 Professor Vladislav Fomin at [email protected] before submitting their application. The application deadline is January 31st, 2026.

IT:U values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, welcoming everyone to realize their full potential and contribute to the university’s mission of digital transformation for society, economy, and environment.