PhD Position 100% – AI Literacy & Regulatory Learning (m/f/d) in University of St. Gallen (HSG) – Institute of Law and Economics – St. Gallen, Switzerland

Summary

The University of St. Gallen’s Institute of Law and Economics seeks a PhD candidate for a fully funded, 100% position (01 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2029) within the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Doctoral Network REGULAIRE. The project investigates AI‑literacy frameworks and their impact on regulatory learning in public administration, using case studies, pre/post assessments, and typology development. Supervision is provided by Prof. Aurelia Tamò‑Larrieux with co‑supervision and a three‑month intersectoral secondment. The role includes research, thesis writing, participation in network training, summer schools, and seminars. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent), demonstrate interest in AI literacy and intervention research, and possess excellent English. The position is open to all nationalities meeting MSCA eligibility.

Key Facts

Department	Institute of Law and Economics
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Social sciences
Research Area	AI literacy and regulatory learning
Degree Required	Master's degree (or equivalent qualification)
Funding	Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-07
Required Documents	motivation letter, CV, academic credentials/transcripts, at least two reference letters, short research proposal
Employer Address	Institute of Law and Economics, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Employer Contact	Prof. Aurelia Tamò-Larrieux (Professor of Law and Technology); Ladislava Metzger (Administrative Institute Management)

About the Project

The doctoral project examines how AI‑literacy frameworks enhance absorptive capacity and support regulatory learning in public bodies. It will use case studies and pre/post assessments to evaluate the effects of literacy interventions on evidence generation, procurement decisions, escalation pathways, and knowledge circulation. The work includes building an inventory and typology of AI‑literacy frameworks, validating interventions, and producing guidance for integrating literacy into procurement and review cycles, culminating in a doctoral thesis and related publications.

Key Responsibilities

• Examine how AI‑literacy frameworks cultivate absorptive capacity and support regulatory learning in public bodies
• Use case studies and pre/post assessments to measure literacy intervention effects on evidence generation, procurement choices, escalation paths and lesson circulation
• Build an inventory and typology of AI‑literacy frameworks, validate interventions, report effects, and develop integration guidance
• Refine research questions and design, prepare ethics and data‑management materials, and complete a doctoral thesis and publications
• Participate in REGULAIRE training, network reviews, dissemination, practitioner engagement, summer schools and monthly paper development seminars

Required Skills

• Skills or demonstrable interest in case studies and intervention research, including pre/post assessment designs
• Strong interest in AI literacy, public administration, AI governance and interdisciplinary research
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Reliable, independent and analytical working style
• Willingness to engage in international mobility and network‑wide activities, including the planned secondment

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in public administration, political science, learning sciences, information systems, communication, law or a related social‑science field, who have a strong interest in AI literacy, public‑sector governance, and interdisciplinary research, and who can conduct case‑study and intervention research in English. Candidates must be willing to engage in international mobility, including a three‑month secondment, and meet the MSCA eligibility criteria.

Benefits

• Doctoral position within the MSCA Doctoral Network REGULAIRE with an international cohort of 15 candidates across ten European universities
• Cross‑institutional supervision, network‑wide methods training, three residential summer schools and monthly paper development seminars
• Stimulating interdisciplinary research environment at the University of St. Gallen
• Planned three‑month intersectoral secondment as part of the doctoral project
• Opportunity to complete a doctoral thesis and develop an independent research profile in AI governance, law and technology
• Access to HSG’s extensive resources, family and career support, health and fitness offerings

About the Employer

The Institute of Law and Economics (ILE‑HSG) at the University of St. Gallen conducts research at the interface of law (tax law and public law) and business (corporate governance, reporting and tax & trade). The university is described as one of Europe’s leading institutions for economics and business administration, hosting over 10,000 students and more than 3,800 researchers and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

Apply by 7 November 2026.

What documents must be submitted?

Motivation letter, CV, academic credentials/transcripts, at least two reference letters, and a short research proposal.

What is the contract period?

Limited contract from 1 January 2027 until 31 December 2029.

Is the position open to candidates of any nationality?

Yes, any nationality may apply provided they meet MSCA eligibility conditions.