PhD student in Computer and Systems Sciences, with focus on developer roles for AI-enabled software development

The Department of Computer and Systems Sciences. With over 200 employees and 4,500 students, the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) is a strong and dynamic research and educational environment. The discipline of computer and systems sciences bridges the gap between technology and the humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences, with great relevance to our lives today and in the future. Our research addresses how new information and communication technology should be designed to benefit people, organizations and entire societies.

DSV offers a stimulating research community in an international environment. As a doctoral student at DSV, you study together with many other doctoral students, collaborate with senior research colleagues and get connected to other researchers in Sweden and abroad. DSV’s current location is Stockholm University's campus in Kista, north of central Stockholm, and we will move to the main Frescati campus within a couple of years.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences.

Project description

AI, including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and more recently, generative AI (GenAI), is set to transform software development by boosting productivity. AI is already being used for tasks traditionally handled by humans, such as generating and reviewing code, writing test cases, and creating technical documentation. While this shift offers exciting opportunities, it also raises important questions about the evolving roles and ways of working of engineers in software development. To make the best use of AI, we need to rethink and redefine the role of developer in a way that is both productive and sustainable. For example, in future with AI-enabled development, the role of developer might shift to prompt engineering. Similarly, in future the role of a developer would be more focused on optimizing and integrating the output of AI tools. 

In this project, you will explore how AI is changing both the development process and the tasks of developers. Through theoretical and empirical research, you will investigate how software development is being transformed and develop theories and frameworks to support the novel ways of working in software development. As part of our dynamic research group, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities and may collaborate with industry partners.

The project is part of a vibrant academic community with a strong international network, offering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, seminars, and scientific exchange within both academia and industry. In addition to a competitive salary and wellness benefits, the candidate is offered strong support for academic development, including funding for books, conference travel, and professional growth opportunities.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Computer and Systems Sciences and state that the applicant must have completed courses at second-cycle level in Computer and Systems Sciences with a minimum of 60 higher education credits, or equivalent, including a thesis with a minimum of 15 higher education credits. In addition, the applicant is required to have English language skills equivalent of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages Level B2.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

• Independence in the analysis and organization of the earlier work
• Problem formulation and rigor in previous work and in the research plan
• Previously shown ability to keep the specified time limits
• Methodological and scientific maturity
• Communication and cooperation skills
• Subject specific knowledge relevant to education.

The following skills will be considered as a plus:

• Programming experience in e.g. Python, etc.
• Experience in data analysis, familiarity with AI/ML concepts, experience using AI tools to understand developer workflows and an interest in social and human factors in software engineering.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Professor Harko Verhagen, verhagen@dsv.su.se,  or the Director of PhD studies, Åsa Smedberg, studierektorF@dsv.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. We recommend that the application, with associated documents, be written in English.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.