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. KU-CENTER FOR SUNDHED OG SAMFUND 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. KU-CENTER FOR SUNDHED OG SAMFUND’s 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.
Job Description
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.
Your Qualifications
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.
Your Opportunities
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
