PhD-student in Sociology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Research Area

The Department of Sociology will employ two PhD students in two related but different research projects:

The first project is called ‘Disentangling discrimination in Europe: Patterns, processes, and consequences of discrimination experiences among multiple targeted groups in a comparative perspective'. The PhD student in this project will work with survey data (e.g. from the European Commission for Human Rights) to answer questions about both the causes and consequences of discrimination in society. Collaborations in an international environment are part of the work, as the project's partner university is in Alicante, Spain.

> (opens in new window)">Read more about the discrimination project here>>

The second project is called 'The Nature and Consequences of Tolerance'. The project focuses on investigating both the causes and consequences of different forms of tolerance. The PhD student in this project will work with various surveys to investigate why different people are tolerant and what significance this has for other related attitudes and values.

> (opens in new window)">Read more about the tolerance project here >>

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral studies in sociology there are both general and specific entry requirements. To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or in some other way acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements for admission to doctoral studies in sociology, the applicant must have a basic university education in sociology of at least 90 credits and 60 credits at advanced level in sociology (master's level) or other education of equivalent scope and specialization.

Other qualification requirements are: a good knowledge of quantitative methods and a good knowledge of English in speech and writing.

About the position

Employment as a doctoral student is given for the time deemed necessary for the completion of the doctoral studies in the normal period of study, which corresponds to a full-time doctoral education for four years. While in the position, students should primarily devote themselves to their own doctoral education. To a limited extent, training and administrative work corresponding to a maximum of twenty per cent of full working hours may occur. As a result, the period of employment can be extended to a maximum of five years. The salary placement is made according to the established salary ladder for doctoral employment.

We expect the employee to be present at the workplace in Umeå and participate in the department's joint activities.

Prior to a possible employment, the department makes an overall assessment of which of the two research projects described is best suited for each applicant. This means that the department can offer the applicant project affiliation regardless of the area that the submitted application and research plan describe.

Application requirements:

• Research plan describing the intended thesis project (maximum two pages excluding references). The plan must relate to one of the areas described above in the linked project plans. The plan must show that the applicant can formulate a reasonable project proposal, but it may be revised radically in the event of employment.
• A cover letter of no more than one page describing your motivation for applying for the doctoral position.
• CV that includes relevant academic degrees, previous employment, and a list of university courses and grades.
• Copy of degree certificate/verified proof that the requirements for the degree are fulfilled.
• Essays/other publications
• Any other merits relevant to the position
• Contact information for two professional references

The employment can begin on September 1 or as agreed. Apply via Varbi no later than June 19, 2024.