Postdoctoral Researcher/Assistant Professor in Citizen Trust and Public Sector Artificial Intelligence Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Researcher or Assistant Professor Position

The research project “TRUST-AI: Citizen Trust in AI Government” invites applications for a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher or an Assistant Professor. The project is directed by Associate Professor Mogens Jin Pedersen (Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, the University of Copenhagen) and is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (IRFD).

The position is a full-time fixed-term appointment for a minimum of 2.25 years (27 months) with potential for extension for a maximum of 3.25 years (39 months). The final contract duration and the specific level of appointment (Postdoc or Assistant Professor) are contingent upon the candidate's profile and the Department's specific teaching requirements. While the project secures a minimum of 2.25 years of research-focused employment, any appointment beyond this period—as well as the offer of an Assistant Professor title is subject to a match between the candidate's profile and the Department's specific teaching needs.

The starting date is 1 March 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

The Research Project TRUST-AI is a four-year, IRFD-funded project (6.3 million DKK) dedicated to delivering critical insights into the responsible implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the public sector. The project aims to guide AI transformations that build and secure citizen trust in public services.

While existing research often focuses on individual-level predictors of trust, TRUST-AI shifts the focus to the AI system itself. We examine how citizen trust is affected by specific AI characteristics—such as accuracy, transparency, and stated purpose—and by particular application modes (such as the distribution of human-AI authority and the specific decision tasks and policy domains to which it is deployed). Furthermore, the project tests concrete strategies for earning citizen trust through targeted information and framing cues.

Methodologically, the project employs large-scale experimental studies, including survey-embedded and field experiments. Our goal is to provide foundational knowledge that translates into both high-impact publications in top-tier public administration, political science, and general social science journals, and actionable policy recommendations for the public sector.

The project team consists of the PI, a Co-PI, a Co-I, a Research Assistant, and an international advisory network of leading scholars.

As a core member of the TRUST-AI team, you will actively contribute to a collaborative research agenda while having the opportunity to develop your own independent research profile. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing, designing, coordinating, and implementing advanced survey-experimental studies in collaboration with the project team.
• Authoring and co-authoring high-quality research papers for submission to leading international journals.
• Presenting findings at international conferences.
• Actively participating in the project's intellectual life and the broader research environment at the Department.

Additional tasks may include contributions to popular dissemination (e.g., reports, op-eds, or talks for public stakeholders). For contracts exceeding the minimum duration (27 months), teaching responsibilities will be included. The specific load and subject areas will be negotiated based on departmental teaching needs and the candidate's expertise.

Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field. The PhD must be awarded prior to the start date. In addition, selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Research Interest: Demonstrated interest or research experience in attitude formation, public sector digitalization, and/or AI integration.
• Methodological Expertise: Strong quantitative skills, specifically in experimental methods, survey design, and causal inference.
• Publication Experience: An emerging track record of publications in international scientific journals (commensurate with career stage).
• Drive and Collaborative Spirit: The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a highly collaborative research team.
• Communication: Excellent proficiency in spoken and written English.

Familiarity with the Danish public sector and/or Danish language proficiency is considered an advantage but is not a requirement.

The position offers a range of attractive opportunities for the candidate, including:

• Membership in a vibrant, ambitious, and supportive research team with excellent opportunities for intellectual development and mentoring as part of a high-profile, IRFD-funded project with significant societal impact.
• Funding for data collection and conference attendance, as well as opportunities for developing a strong international research network.
• Being part of a stimulating and internationally recognized research environment at one of Europe's leading departments of political science—with flexible working conditions and a supportive workplace culture in the heart of Copenhagen.

The Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen is a top-ranked European department, offering a vibrant, collegial, and pluralist academic working environment. We house roughly 75 faculty members and 25 PhD students. You will be affiliated with the Public Administration and Policy Research Section, which provides a highly relevant and supportive intellectual home for this project.

Terms of appointment and salary will be in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC). The salary range for postdoctoral positions starts at DKK 39,900/approximately EUR 5,300 + an 18.07 % pension contribution. It is possible to negotiate salary supplements on an annual basis.

The University of Copenhagen is committed in its pursuit of academic excellence to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity etc.

The University of Copenhagen offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during your relocation and career counselling to expat partners.

For additional information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Mogens Jin Pedersen at email: mp@ifs.ku.dk.

For more information about the recruitment process, please contact HR South at hr-soendre@adm.ku.dk.

To apply, please submit your application online. The application must be written in English, and include the following attachments in PDF or Word format:

• Cover letter, including the candidate's motivation and a brief outline of suggested research contribution to the project (max 1,000 words).
• Curriculum Vitae, including a complete publication list, conference presentation list, and overview of teaching experience. As an option, the CV may include the names of up to two potential academic references.
• Documentation: Diplomas for Master's and PhD degrees. If the PhD is not yet awarded, please specify the expected date of submission and/or defense in the CV.
• Publications: Up to two selected articles (published or unpublished). The selected articles must be uploaded as attachments and marked with an asterisk (*) on the publication list.

The application deadline is 25 October 2026 at 23:59 CET. Any applications or additional material submitted after the deadline will not be considered.