Junior Reserach Group Human-in-Control

From funds provided by the Hans Böckler Foundation, three doctoral scholarships will be awarded, with the earliest possible start in October 2026, to the junior research group “Human-in-Control: Implementing employee co-determination in the design, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence” (NFG 033) at the NLP group at Marburg University.

Artificial intelligence is leading to profound changes in the world of work. Economically and socially, it has the potential to trigger positive developments. However, its unreflective use also entails risks. While the AI Act represents a first step toward protecting consumers, comparable protection is still largely lacking for employees who work with AI systems. Even modern systems inevitably make mistakes. For this reason, humans are often deployed as a control instance (“human-in-the-loop”). Responsibility for errors then lies with employees, who usually lack the means to influence the systems. The aim of the junior research group is to investigate technical methods and organizational processes that enable employees to exert influence over operational AI systems, thereby safeguarding and improving job quality.

Possible research questions that could be addressed within one of the three doctoral projects include:

1. How can employees’ interests and concerns be incorporated into the design process of AI systems, particularly within requirements engineering?
2. What technical measures can be taken to strengthen the role of humans in Human-in-the-Loop approaches, ensure sufficient influence over systems, and transform a “human-in-the-loop” into a “human-in-control”?
3. What organizational measures can be implemented to (a) enhance the quality of work for employees who use AI systems and (b) ensure that they have appropriate influence over the processes, models, and outcomes for which they are responsible?

As the fundamental methodology, Design Science Research will be employed. The focus is on developing artifacts within a three-cycle process based on existing and newly acquired knowledge (Rigor Cycle), designing and iteratively refining these artifacts (Design Cycle), and subsequently evaluating their practical applicability (Relevance Cycle). In the context of the research group, such artifacts will primarily include process models, technical methods in the form of software, and informational materials.

Procedure for the application and selection process:

The application deadline for the scholarships is 02 May 2026.

Promising applicants will be supported by the academic leadership of the junior research group in revising and, if necessary, adapting their project proposal (exposé) to the group’s thematic focus and requirements. Please contact Daniel Braun in advance to discuss your project. The exposé will then undergo academic review.

The scholarships will begin between October 2026 and January 2027 and are awarded for a maximum of three years. This standard funding period may be extended in justified cases. Doctoral candidates receive a monthly scholarship of €1,750 (€1,650 basic stipend and €100 research allowance). In addition, a health insurance subsidy of up to €100 and, where applicable, family allowances may be granted. Decisions on the doctoral scholarships are made in accordance with the guidelines of the BMFTR and the selection criteria of the Hans Böckler Foundation (HBS).

In addition to an above-average academic degree, applicants must demonstrate socio-political or trade union engagement. Doctoral projects may be conducted in German or English.

Please apply with the required documents and an exposé (maximum 10 pages) outlining the proposed project and situating it within the research program of the junior research group. Guidelines for preparing the exposé can be found here. A scientific reference letter is not required at this stage.

Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online application portal of the Hans Böckler Foundation. The scholarship awards will be announced in October 2026.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to bewerbung@boeckler.de.

Preparatory Workshop (18 March 2026):

A preparatory workshop will take place in Marburg on 18 March 2026, introducing participants to the topic of the junior research group and providing information about the application process. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their project ideas.

Registration is open until 22 February 2026 and should be sent to daniel.braun@uni-marburg.de. Please include your CV and a one-page abstract of your project idea in German or English. Travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Preliminary Program