PhD in Digital Payments and Critical Infrastructure

Technical University of Denmark; Kongens Lyngby; On-site; DKK 420,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a PhD position at the intersection of digital payments, critical infrastructure, and organizational studies. The project Cash Contingencies examines how digitalization shapes payment infrastructures and societal vulnerabilities during crises.

The successful candidate will conduct ethnographic fieldwork with Danish organisations, engage stakeholders in workshops, and develop a feasible research plan.

Qualifications

• Experience with organizational ethnography and/or related qualitative methods.
• Familiarity with theories from organization studies, economic anthropology, economic sociology, science and technology studies (STS), or related fields.
• Proficiency in Danish (or other Scandinavian language for projects in different contexts).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High degrees of independent project management

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct ethnographic fieldwork with organisations responsible for emergency payment infrastructures.
• Engage with stakeholders through workshops and knowledge dissemination activities.
• Develop a clear and feasible project proposal for investigations in Denmark and related Scandinavian contexts.

Skills

Organizational ethnography

Qualitative methods

Organization theory

Danish language

Communication & teamwork

Job description

If you are interested in advancing research at the intersection of digital payments, critical infrastructure, and financial organizations – and have a background in organization studies, social or economic anthropology, Science and Technology Studies (STS) or related fields – this PhD position offers a unique opportunity. As part of the research project Cash Contingencies: Transactional Vulnerability in the Era of Digital Payments, led by Assistant Professor Sunniva Sandbukt, you will investigate how the digitalization of payments has introduced new societal vulnerabilities in times of crisis. The project examines how digitalization has historically shaped transactional infrastructure in Denmark and investigates how the organizations responsible for this digital infrastructure operationalize payments as critical infrastructure. Drawing on qualitative research methods and stakeholder engagement workshops, we ask what consequences these developments have had for our ability to transact in a crisis. We are looking for project proposals demonstrating a clear and feasible plan for conducting ethnographic fieldwork with relevant organizations responsible for the emergency preparedness of payment infrastructures in Denmark. Proposals for corresponding investigations in the other Scandinavian countries will also be considered.

Responsibilities and qualifications

• Experience with organizational ethnography and/or related qualitative methods.
• Familiarity with theories from organization studies, economic anthropology, economic sociology, science and technology studies (STS), or related fields.
• Proficiency in Danish (or other Scandinavian language for projects in different contexts).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High degrees of independent project management

Preferred qualifications

• Experience from researching and/or working in organisations similar to those being studied.
• Experience in workshop facilitation or knowledge dissemination

As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. DTU Management conducts excellent research at the intersection of management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master, and PhD levels across DTU's study programs. The department has 250+ employees with around half of staff coming from abroad. DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.