WASP-HS Postdoctoral Scholarship on Autonomous Systems and Robotics in Society

WASP-HS invites applications for a postdoctoral scholarship, which would begin in September 2026. The scholarship will enable a promising researcher who has recently obtained a doctorate at a Swedish university to spend up to two years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). There the postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to grow into an independent investigator, experience a new research environment, and expand their international networks. The fellow will be affiliated with MIT’s Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC) and a suitable host department at MIT. The fellow will be eligible for repatriation support upon arrival back in Sweden.

We welcome applicants with a background in Human-Robot Interaction, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, or other related fields.

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS)

WASP-HS aims to foster novel interdisciplinary knowledge in the humanities and social sciences on the development of AI and autonomous systems and their consequences for humanity and society.

Social and Ethical Responsibilities of Computing (SERC)

SERC facilitates the development of responsible “habits of mind and action” for those who create and deploy computing technologies and fosters the creation of technologies in the public interest.

“Autonomous Systems and Robotics in Society” Research Group

This fellowship will be affiliated with the WASP-HS Research Group entitled “Autonomous Systems and Robotics in Society.” Led by researchers at Stockholm University, Linköping University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University, the group brings together interdisciplinary expertise in the critical interactional study and design of autonomous systems and robotics. It uses a human-centered and movement-focused approach to investigate three research questions:

1. What interaction dynamics afford better consideration of the human body and somatic experience when dealing with issues of consent, touch, and proximity in power-laden human-robot interaction?

2. How do everyday interactions with robots reveal and impact negotiations over shared physical space and interpersonal and group relationships?

3. How do autonomous systems and robots impact ecologies of care and labor, and what are desirable futures for the integration of autonomous systems into society?

The group draws upon the phenomenological tradition, relying on soma design, ethnomethodology and conversation analysis (EMCA), as well as feminist theories. They combine empirical analysis and fieldwork (transcription of video-recorded interactions with robots, ethnographic observation) with interaction design methods.

Applicants should propose an empirical and/or design-oriented project that

• includes observing robots in a real-world environment, focusing on interactional, embodied and critical aspects, and
• uses a social science and/or humanities approach to investigate questions about the consequences of robots and autonomous systems for society and/or humanity, or
• investigates how social science and/or humanities knowledge can contribute to the development of robots and autonomous systems.

Scholarship conditions

The fellow will receive a stipend for one to two years of postdoctoral research. The stipend amounts to approximately USD 71,000 annually (the final amount will be set in accordance with the standard rate of each institution). A travel grant of USD 7,500 per year and an annual allowance for accompanying family members of USD 15,000 will be provided. The fellow will also receive the standard Health Plan/Insurance for postdocs. The stipend cannot be combined with other stipends or positions.

At the conclusion of each year of the scholarship, the fellow should submit a progress report to the Foundation and to WASP-HS.

Upon returning to Sweden after completion of the fellowship, the fellow will be eligible for funding to support a research position at a Swedish university for up to two years if they cannot find another position.

Eligibility

To apply for a postdoctoral scholarship, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Have received a doctoral degree from a Swedish university no more than two years before the starting date of the postdoctoral position
• Have a connection to a Swedish university or corresponding non-profit research organization
• Cannot have been employed or a scholar at MIT prior to the postdoctoral position
• Have prior experience with studying human-robot (or human-machine) interactions in real-world environments, ideally through ethnomethodological interaction analysis, video ethnography, and/or design ethnography

Application and submission

Applications should be submitted in English via the Wallenberg Foundation’s electronic application portal: https://kawansokan.wallenberg.org

Once in the portal, create a new user account. Select the “KAW stipend” tab at the top and then “Broad Institute and MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship.”

Fill in the forms in each of the tabs of the application. Be sure to fill in “dissertation date” in tab 5 (“Exams”). If you have not yet defended your dissertation at the time of applying, attach a letter from your doctoral supervisor stating your expected defense date in “Other appendices” in tab 10 (“Attachments”).

In tab 10 (“Attachments”), submit the following documents:

• Your curriculum vitae, which should include a list of publications.
• Personal letter (max 1 A4 page or 3 500 characters, including spaces).
• Planned research program. This should be a description of the proposed research project, including deliverables (max 6 A4 pages and 21 000 characters, including spaces). Please mention the research group by name and describe how the research fits with the work of the group.
• Two separate letters of support with comments on the proposed research project.
• Under “Other appendices” please suggest three to four MIT faculty members with whom you would like to be matched, should you be awarded the scholarship. Briefly motivate your suggestions.
• Contrary to the instructions in the portal, you do not need to include a description of the research profile of the intended host and supervisor. You also do not need to include a letter of recommendation/invitation from a suggested host.

Please note that a budget is not required since the scholarship amount will be fixed. Instead, attach a document confirming whether or not you intend to apply for the accompanying family member allowance.

Applications must be received no later than 18 November 2025.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note you may only apply for one of the Foundation’s postdoctoral scholarships.

Review criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Applicant’s scientific record and potential to develop into an independent investigator
• Quality, originality, and significance of the proposed research project
• Relevance to the research group
• Feasibility of the proposed research project

Top-ranked candidates will be interviewed during January 14-21, 2026.

Any remaining questions about the postdoctoral scholarships or application process can be directed to contact@wasp-hs.org.