PhD position in Digital Payments and Critical Infrastructure - DTU Management

Technical University of Denmark · Kongens Lyngby

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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
The submitted materials (cover letter, project description, and CV) should clearly address the project description above. The successful candidate is also required to document:

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

Furthermore, it will be considered an advantage if applicants can document:

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

This position offers the opportunity to conduct ambitious qualitative research at the intersection of digital payments, critical infrastructure, and organizational studies, and to contribute to an emerging research agenda on payments and digital sovereignty.
The PhD will be conducted as part of the Cash Contingencies project, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark and supervised by the principal investigator (PI) Assistant Professor Sunniva Sandbukt and Professor Helene Friis Ratner. The candidate will conduct limited teaching as part of the Ph.D. programme.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. Assessment
Assistant Professor and PI, Sunniva Sandbukt and Professor and Head of Section, Helene Friis Ratner.We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 February 2027 or according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor and Head of Section, Helene Friis Ratner, hfrra@dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Management at www.man.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 November 2026 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
Curriculum vitae
Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
A project description of no more than 4 pages, including references.

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. 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.

PhD position exploring how transactional vulnerability is conceptualized and operationalized by the organisations governing digital payments infrastructure. Qualitative research focus.

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