PhD Research Fellowship in AI, Politics and Society

Offer Description

LINES & CRPD aim to launch a new research line on the broad theme of “AI, Politics and Society”. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how decisions are made in government, business, and everyday life. This development offers significant opportunities, but it also introduces new political and societal challenges and risks. It is therefore essential to better understand how AI is—or may come to be—(re) shaping power, governance, and social relations in the future, and how societies can guide these technologies in democratic, fair, and accountable ways.

As part of this new research line, we are seeking a highly motivated and outstanding doctoral candidate to join our research team. The candidate will engage with political and social analysis and the growing importance and impact of AI on (international) politics and society. In addition to the research work, the candidate will contribute to collective responsibilities of the research group, such as educational services, team meetings, research proposals, supervision of bachelor and master students, invigilating exams, and student recruitment activities.

• Conduct research on the political and societal implications of AI and machine learning.
• Produce high‑quality research outputs, including papers, conference presentations, and policy briefs.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team and participate in team meetings and research proposals.
• Supervise bachelor and master students and support their academic progress.
• Engage in educational services including invigilation and student recruitment.

• Completed a Master’s degree in political science, sociology, or a closely related discipline; an interdisciplinary background combining a social science degree with computer science or a related field is a strong asset.
• Excellent academic track record: first‑class or upper second‑class honours.
• Strong analytical skills and willingness to engage with both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Demonstrated familiarity with, and strong interest in, the political and societal implications of AI and machine learning.
• Proficiency in English sufficient to discuss research with colleagues and present findings clearly in writing.
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary team committed to developing solutions collaboratively.

Applicants must submit a short research statement (maximum two pages) outlining their proposed research ideas. The statement should specify the context in which the applicant wishes to examine the growing impact, significance, and societal relevance of AI; explain why it is an important area for scholarly inquiry; and describe how they intend to investigate it (e.g., core research questions and methods).

Possible topics include, but are not limited to: how AI may (re) shape international politics; how states use AI strategies and regulation to gain geopolitical influence; the determinants of public acceptance of AI in governance and society; the use of AI in policy making and policy‑relevant research; the distributional consequences of AI at local, national, or international levels; and how AI may affect citizens’ trust in government institutions.

• CV
• Copy of Master’s thesis
• Full degree transcripts (both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)

• Monthly scholarship in line with KU Leuven standards for PhD scholarships; one‑year contract initially, extendable up to a total of four years.
• Access to social benefits, insurance coverage, and training opportunities.
• Dynamic, international research team with support in academic and professional development.
• Support for conference participation, methodological training, and knowledge valorisation initiatives.
• Short‑listed candidates will be invited for an interview.