PhD position Emerging Demands and Innovative Practices in the Use of AI for Higher Education an[...]

Overview

Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) is a private, state‑accredited English‑language university in Bremen. It offers Bachelor, Master, and PhD programmes across three schools: Science, Computer Science & Engineering, and Business, Social and Decision Sciences. Ranked in the top 25 percent of over 1,900 universities worldwide, it attracts more than 1,600 students from 110 nations.

PhD Position: Information System and Management

In collaboration with Constructor Knowledge Labs (CKL) and Constructor Technology, we invite applications for a PhD position under the supervision of Professor Isak Frumin. The position focuses on the transformation of higher education and the science industry in the era of artificial intelligence. It offers the opportunity to engage in a high‑impact research project, collaborate with leading experts, and contribute to publications and policy‑relevant outputs.

Key Research Questions

• How are academic institutions transforming their educational and research practices in response to AI technologies?
• Which university groups and individuals act as early adopters and innovators in the use of AI tools?
• What new best practices and tools are emerging, and in which areas of science and education do they appear most rapidly?

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will join the Observatory of Higher Education Innovations, a research group within CKL and Constructor University Bremen. They will gain expertise in data‑intensive higher education studies, the science of science, and the social impacts of AI, working closely with internationally recognised experts in institutional analysis and higher education strategy.

Candidate Profile

• Masters degree (or equivalent) in sociology, economics, political science, higher education studies, science and technology studies, data science/engineering, or computational social science.
• Strong analytical research and academic writing skills in English (evidenced by a Masters thesis, peer‑reviewed publications, or equivalent research outputs).
• Demonstrated interest in technology applications in education/research, data analysis, or institutional transformation (e.g. via coursework projects or prior work).
• Hands‑on research experience such as qualitative methods, case studies, or data‑intensive projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some proficiency in German (speaking/writing).
• Skills in data analysis including code‑based tools (e.g. Python, R, or Stata).

Funding and Appointment Terms

• Monthly tax‑free stipend with possibilities of research‑cost allowance and health‑insurance subsidy.

Application Details

• Starting date: negotiable; preferred before April 2026.

Application Package

• Cover letter (1–2 pages) explaining fit with project and qualifications.
• Curriculum vitae with publications/projects listed.
• Contact details for 2–3 academic references.
• Evidence of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS experience) if non‑native.
• Optional: example demonstrating analytical research and writing skills (e.g. publications or thesis).

Applications to be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews.