Professor of Information and Innovation Governance

Job Description

The rapid advancements in digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) present profound challenges and opportunities for society, the economy, and politics. The University of Graz has already established itself as a pioneer through its interdisciplinary research on artificial intelligence, big data, and digital transformation.

The professorship of Information and Innovation Governance is designed specifically to address the intersection between technological innovation and social responsibility. The focus is on the interdisciplinary analysis and design of governance structures (particularly in the field of AI), taking into account their social, legal, and regulatory implications.

The University of Graz is pursuing a distinctly interdisciplinary approach that integrates technical, legal, ethical, and societal aspects. This professorship plays a central role in this regard, serving as a link between existing initiatives, clusters, and core research areas.

Through the affiliation with the Faculty of Law and a potential affiliation with the “Smart Regulation” cluster, it is possible to collaborate with legal scholars, ethicists, social scientists, and computer scientists to address issues related to regulation, governance, and societal impacts. Furthermore, the professorship can take a leading role in IDea_Lab projects focused on research data governance, the development of legal standards, and guidelines for AI systems.

The professorship complements and strengthens existing initiatives in the field of digitalisation, law, and society at the University of Graz and serves as a catalyst for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and knowledge transfer, including in the area of responsible AI design, with the aim of combining excellent research with societal impact.

Employment Requirements

• Austrian or equivalent foreign higher education degree corresponding with the position (doctorate/PhD)
• Habilitation or equivalent qualification in a field of legal studies
• Special knowledge in Information Law and Technology Law
• Outstanding academic qualifications in research and teaching in the relevant discipline (commensurate with stage of academic career and interruptions in employment due to caring responsibilities)
• Skills in higher education didactics including the use of digital media
• Gender mainstreaming and diversity management skills
• Skills in attracting subject-specific project grants
• Willingness to collaborate and network with the University of Graz’s interdisciplinary AI research center, IDea_Lab (serving as an interface between technological innovation and social responsibility)
• Willingness to contribute to the expansion of the University of Graz’s postgraduate continuing education programmes in the field of data and regulation
• Experience in regulatory consulting related to new technologies (preferred)
• Participation in national and international networks
• Professional experience abroad during academic career
• Management and leadership experience
• Excellent knowledge of German and English

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, aiming for academic excellence and integrity in research and teaching. He/she will have demonstrated ability to collaborate constructively in a responsible manner and inspire colleagues and students in an interdisciplinary, internationally oriented context.

Application Documents

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae with a description of your academic career
• List of publications, numbered, with a complete bibliographic information, sorted by
  • monographs
  • (co-)edited volumes
  • journal articles
  • other information
• Presentation of teaching to date
• List of previous research projects and collaborations
• Description of future research intentions
• List of your five most important publications

Please submit your application documents in German or English.

We Offer

We offer a diverse, challenging, team-oriented working environment and a high degree of personal responsibility. Working hours are flexible and there are many options for further education and personal development.

The minimum remuneration as stated in the Collective Bargaining Agreement is € 28,195.86 gross per year. Salary subject to negotiation.

About us

At the University of Graz, researchers and students work across a broad disciplinary spectrum to enlarge our knowledge, and find strategies to deal with challenges our society is confronted with and to shape tomorrow’s world. The University of Graz is a place which combines high quality academic research and teaching, where achievement is rewarded, careers are promoted, and social diversity is encouraged – all within a modern, award-winning working environment. Our motto: We work for tomorrow. Join us!

Contact

Head of the Dean's Office Mag. Bernd Urban ([email protected])

The University of Graz is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees, especially in leadership roles. We therefore encourage qualified female colleagues in particular to apply for this position. In case of equal qualifications, women will receive priority consideration.

Please note that in order to comply with the applicable data protection regulations, we can only accept applications via our web-based applicant tool for this vacant position.