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.