Aalborg University’s Department of Computer Science in Copenhagen invites applications for a PhD stipend within the Innovation Fund Denmark Grand Solutions project “AI4SE1DK – Human-Centered Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Software Engineering in Denmark”. The stipend is open for appointment from 1 October 2025 or soon hereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

YOUR COMPETENCIES

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in human-centered computing, empirical software engineering, and the organizational aspects of technology adoption. Ideally, you have experience with mixed methods research (qualitative and quantitative), and a desire to work in close collaboration with industry stakeholders. You should thrive in an interdisciplinary environment and be able to navigate between academic rigor and industrial relevance.
Experience with teamwork dynamics, agile development and generative AI tools is an advantage as is an interest in sustainable and ethical AI. You should be committed to producing research that not only advances theory but also benefits Danish society and industry.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master’s degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design, in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

WHO WE ARE

You will join the Human-Centered Computing group at Aalborg University Copenhagen. Our group is internationally recognized for its work on AI adoption, empirical software engineering, and responsible innovation. We are active contributors to the AI4SE1DK consortium and regularly collaborate with leading industry actors such as Systematic, Ericson, and the European Spallation Source. You can learn more about your future supervisor at www.danielrusso.org.

You will be part of a national interdisciplinary consortium composed of leading Danish universities and software companies working to advance the adoption of responsible and human-centered AI in software engineering (AI4SE). The AI4SE1DK project addresses urgent industry needs by investigating how generative AI can be effectively, ethically, and sustainably adopted in real-world software teams.
Your tasks will include conducting empirical studies (including surveys and case studies) to understand AI adoption barriers, organizational readiness, and team climate. You will work closely with software companies and research institutions to identify best practices for AI4SE and co-develop guidelines that reflect Scandinavian values and sustainability goals. In collaboration with the implementation board, you will help shape national dissemination strategies and contribute to educational integration of your findings.
The project will give you access to a rich ecosystem of researchers and practitioners, opportunities to publish in high-impact venues, and real-world validation of your research.