Ben Wagner

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].