PhD student in Computer and Systems Sciences, with focus on AI-enabled Digital Transformation in the Public Sector Stockholm University’s Department of Computer and Systems Sciences in Sweden

Stockholm University’s Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) is offering a PhD position focused on AI-enabled digital transformation in the public sector. The project addresses how governments and public organizations can become more AI-ready by developing the governance mechanisms, organizational capabilities, and socio-technical foundations needed to introduce and scale AI responsibly.

The position is hosted at DSV, a large and internationally oriented research and teaching environment within Stockholm University, with strong connections across computer science, information systems, management, and the social sciences. The doctoral student will work in a vibrant academic setting at the Kista campus in Stockholm and collaborate closely with researchers in Information Systems and with public-sector organizations.

Research directions may include organizational readiness, AI governance, workforce transformation, capability management, institutional change, data governance, organizational learning, public value, and responsible innovation. The study combines organizational theory with empirical research on AI implementation in government organizations, aiming to produce both theoretical contributions and practical guidance for trustworthy, transparent, and sustainable AI-enabled transformation.

The successful candidate will develop the exact research agenda jointly with the supervisors. The project offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, seminars, and scientific exchange within academia and industry. In addition to a competitive salary and wellness benefits, the candidate is offered support for books, conference travel, and broader professional development.

Eligibility is based on Stockholm University’s doctoral admission requirements. Applicants must have a second-cycle degree, or equivalent studies amounting to at least 240 higher education credits with 60 credits at second-cycle level. The specific requirement for Computer and Systems Sciences is 60 second-cycle credits in the field, plus a thesis/degree project of at least 15 higher education credits. English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 is required.

Selection is competitive and considers academic independence, quality of prior scientific work and research planning, ability to meet deadlines, methodological and scientific maturity, communication and collaboration skills, and relevant subject knowledge.

Applications are submitted through Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Applicants should include a personal letter, CV, and any other required attachments. The application should be complete and submitted before the deadline of 2026-10-15, and it is recommended that documents be written in English.