PhD Position in Software Engineering, Ethics, and GenAI at Mid Sweden University
Mid Sweden University is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Software Engineering, focusing on the intersection of software engineering, ethics, and GenAI. The successful candidate will join the Software Engineering and Education (SEE) research group, a multidisciplinary team working on processes, methods, and tools for software development and its education. The group collaborates with leading industrial partners in sectors such as automotive and medtech, and addresses challenges including organizational AI transformation, software quality assurance, and the human and societal aspects of software engineering.
The PhD project will contribute to research on building ethical and trustworthy software in the age of generative AI, translating high-level ethical principles (privacy, data governance, non-discrimination, explainability, accountability) into verifiable criteria for AI systems. The work will be relevant for organizations developing, training, or optimizing AI models, as well as for users and policymakers. Research activities include experimental studies, co-authoring scientific publications and grant applications, and collaboration with both internal and external partners. Teaching and administrative duties may comprise up to 20% of the position.
Applicants must have a second-cycle qualification (or equivalent, at least 240 credits with 60 at second-cycle level) and at least 90 credits in Software Engineering or equivalent. Required skills include fluent programming capabilities and experience from previous projects; strong experience with Python, data analysis, and visualization is a bonus. Excellent English communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate is proactive, creative, dependable, and able to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
The position is based in Östersund, Sweden, with a start date of September 1, 2026, or as agreed. The employment is full-time for four years, with salary according to the university’s doctoral student scale. Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English via the university’s recruitment system by April 30, 2026. For further information, contact research leader Felix Dobslaw ([email protected]).
Keywords: Software Engineering, Ethics, GenAI, Artificial Intelligence, Software Quality Assurance, AI Policy, AI Governance, Trustworthy AI, Python, Data Analysis.
