HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.
In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," "Security," and "Business and Society" researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.
In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for a
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) in Technology and Regulation
The position is temporary and full-time.
Compensation is based on the salary range of TVL-14, higher compensation may be considered in order to remain competitive and attract exceptionally qualified candidates.
Humboldt Professor Prof. Dr. Sandra Wachter, (MSc Oxon) – the Chair of the Department of Technology and Regulation at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) – is currently seeking to fill a full time postdoctoral research position and is inviting applications from excellent candidates working at the intersection of law, policy, technology, and innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated and talented individual to conduct cutting-edge and interdisciplinary research and contribute to publications in international and peer-reviewed journals and conferences. A clear commitment to teaching is just as important as the desire to contribute to knowledge transfer (e.g. interaction with policy makers, NGOs, and industry).
The post-holder will work on some of the following or similar areas:
- Ethical, legal, and social aspects of AI, generative AI and other emerging technologies
- The disruptive nature of generative AI on students, teachers and learning; artists and the creative sector; and the future of education and work generally understood
- The societal impacts of generative AI and hallucinations in areas such as misinformation, free press, academia and science, and human rights
- European law, such as the AI Act, Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), Product Liability Directive (PLD), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR); Digital Omnibus, and copyright laws
- History of science and technology governance
- Big Tech and Internet platform regulation including antitrust, corporate law, and liability
- Agentic AI for companionship or therapy and their impact on psychological well-being
- The impact of AI on sustainability and climate change
- Supporting teaching of Bachelors and Masters courses
The post-holder will report in the first instance to Prof. Dr. Sandra Wachter (HPI/Oxford). Additionally, the post will require collaboration with the Governance of Emerging Technologies (GET) research group at the Oxford Internet Institute at the University of Oxford, in particular with Prof. Brent Mittelstadt (Oxford), and Prof. Chris Russell (Oxford) as well as with other national and international researchers and stakeholders from government, civil society and industry.
This full-time position is available immediately for 36 months, with possibility of renewal thereafter. A later start date is also possible. The position is located at HPI in Potsdam and the candidate is expected to move to Germany to take up the position. Sponsorship for a work visa can be provided.
Your essential qualifications
- Hold, or be near completion, a doctoral degree in Law, or a related field
- Ability to assess and review relevant academic literature, laws and jurisprudence, codes of ethics, self-regulatory regimes, and policy papers
- Excellent command of spoken and written English. Working language is English. German language skills are desirable, but not necessary
- Excellent writing, presentation, and analytical skills
- Research experience in a relevant area and a track record of publications appropriate to the candidate’s career stage
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently, and to work to deadlines
- Willingness to support teaching of our Bachelors and Masters courses
- Willingness to mentor Bachelors, Masters and doctoral students
- Interest in the organization of events (e.g. lectures, conferences, workshops) and administrative activities
- Desirable: Relevant expertise or experience with policy-making or knowledge exchange with policy-makers, civil society, and the tech industry
The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) is Germany’s center of excellence for digital engineering where world-renowned fundamental and cutting edge research meets knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. HPI offers an engineering computer science program that is unique in Germany and particularly practice-oriented. The institute is located near Berlin, which offers a variety of educational opportunities, recreation, tourism, and culture.
What we offer
- An opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and design and prepare publications in areas such as Big Tech regulation, the history of science and technology governance, the impact of AI and Generative AI on education, creativity, free press, workplace, emotional wellbeing, and climate change, as well as product liability, and/or public sector technology procurement
- Highly competitive salaries
- Strong academic coaching
- An inspiring scientific environment with a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere
- Support when presenting papers at conferences or public meetings
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly founded AI lab for software engineering, and opportunities to work on research projects with leading business partners and international academic institutions such as MIT, Stanford University, and University of California Irvine
- Opportunity to build up your network with policy-makers, NGOs, C-level executives and world-leading scholars from all around the world
- Professional development support, such as training on writing grant proposals, teaching, community outreach, and mentoring
- A range of benefits and services, including the employer contributions to medical/dental coverage and health insurance, and access to HPI's libraries, museums, and athletic facilities
Have we caught your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your application documents. The application should include a cover letter (max 3 pages) detailing your fit with each of the essential qualifications (see above), CV including a list of publications, and contact information for two referees. Please apply exclusively via our careers page by June 18, 2026. Online Interviews are planned for the week commencing 13th July 2026.
Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH
Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3
14482 Potsdam
