A doctoral (PhD) student in Software Engineering

Software defines a critical part of our society’s digitalization. Within the Software Engineering and Education (SEE) research group, we expand the research front on processes, methods, and tools for software development and its education. The group is multidisciplinary, including social and computer scientists. We are working with leading industrial partners, such as those within the automotive and medtech sectors. Our research covers, among other topics, the leading of the organisational (Gen)AI transformation, software quality assurance, as well as human and societal aspects within software engineering and its education.

Job description 
The Ph.D. student position is primarily research-focused, with approximately 80% research and 20% teaching and/or administration. You will drive experimental studies, co-author scientific publications and grant applications, and collaborate with internal and external partners. Teaching duties may include supervising student theses and other courses at the unit.

Organizations of all types and sizes are heavily relying on software. Software engineering research helps understand and address challenges to ensure high-quality software in a fast changing technological landscape. One important aspect is translating the high-level ethical principles imposed by the European Commission on high-risk AI systems (e.g., privacy, data governance, non-discrimination, explainability, accountability) into verifiable criteria. Together, we work on shaping the design, development, and use of ethical software, in particular (Gen)AI.

During this PhD, you will contribute with your own insights and knowledge from your former experience on relevant topics, including Trustworthiness in AI and its verification, AI Risk Management Frameworks, AI policy, regulation, and governance mechanisms. Fluent programming capabilities with ample experience from previous projects are a requirement. Strong experience with Python, data analysis, and visualisation techniques is a bonus.  

The results of this work will be relevant not only for the organizations developing, training, or optimizing AI models, but in particular for users of the software products that inform and impact the policies that will regulate the AI-enhanced world of tomorrow.

If you have any questions about the scope of the position, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are looking forward to receiving your application.

Entry requirements
General entry requirements include a second-cycle level qualification, or fulfilment of courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements include at least 90 credits in the subject of Software Engineering or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Assessment criteria 
The candidate is expected to actively participate in the software engineering research group with her/his expertise. The candidate is expected to be clear in her/his communication in English, both written and oral.

Personal qualities 
The candidate should be:  

• Proactive and solution-oriented, with the ability to identify and communicate potential solutions and seek support when needed.
• Creative, hands-on and able to move between theoretical work, whiteboard discussions and implementation/experimentation.
• Dependable and able to work independently on assigned tasks, as well as collaborate constructively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Clear communicator with good cooperation skills and flexibility.
• Strong drive to contribute to a flourishing research environment by being present and helping reach group milestones and goals.

Employment process 
Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures.  

Terms of employment 
The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected  to lead to a Degree of Doctor. The entry date is 01-09-2026 or as agreed.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position 
may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of employment: Östersund

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.   

Information 
For further information, please contact research leader Felix Dobslaw, felix.dobslaw@miun.se, or deputy head of department Håkan Wiklund, hakan.wiklund@miun.se.

Application 
Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English.

Please send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 13-04-2026.

Mid Sweden University has two campuses; in Sundsvall and in Östersund, both located close to students, colleagues and the surrounding society. At the same time, it is located conveniently close to the sea, forests and mountains, which provides a great quality of life. Here, new knowledge is created by means of internationally successful research and education that contribute to the development of our society. This way, we actively contribute to a sustainable future and a better world. Mid Sweden University works actively for equal opportunities and strives to embrace the qualities that diversity and equality bring to the organization. Prior to any recruitment work, Mid Sweden University has taken a position on consulting support, recruitment channels and marketing. We therefore kindly ask media vendors, recruitment sites and the like not to contact us.

• Contract type

  Full time

• First day of employment

  01-09-2026 or as agreed

• Salary

  Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students

• Number of positions

  1

• Working hours

  100%

• City

  Östersund

• County

  Jämtlands län

• Country

  Sweden

• Reference number

  MIUN 2026/855

• Union representative
  • Per Bergman, Fackförbundet ST, 010-1428371
  • Börje Norlin, Saco, 010-1428594
• Published

  2026-03-23

• Last application date

  2026-04-13