Doctoral student in Education with a focus on teachers’ practice in innovative learning environments

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.

At the Department of Education aspects of upbringing, socialization, education, teaching and learning is studied. Research is conducted in areas such as didactic processes and evaluation; gender and power; democracy and integration; leadership and reflection; digital inclusion and technology-rich environments; disability and inclusion-processes; upbringing in sport and movement contexts; in the public, private, and non-profit sector.

The doctoral position is in Education with a focus on teachers’ practice in innovative learning environments (ILEs). As doctoral student, you will be part of a research group working in the project titled ‘Towards a student-centered learning in innovative learning environments: A longitudinal study of played out practice and school organisation’ . 

The research group's overarching objective is to investigate: (i) the nature of practices unfolding in ILEs (ii) teachers’ perceptions of educational change and its impact on established practice and how it challenges previous traditions of organising schools, and (iii) the evolution of the concept of student-centered learning over time. The research group employs a diverse methodology, incorporating qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.  Data for the project is gathered through classroom observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The Ph.D. student will initially engage with existing data and subsequently focus on students' performance within ILEs.

To be admitted to studies at the third-cycle level, the applicant must meet both general and subject specific entry requirements. 

Applicants meet the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if they:
1.    have been awarded a second-cycle qualification
2.    have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3.    have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Applicants meet the subject specific entry requirements for admission to studies in Education at the third-cycle level if they have completed basic university courses in Education of at least 90 credits and:
1. have completed a degree at advanced level in Education, or
2. have acquired 60 credits at advanced level in Education, or
3. have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Scientific as well as hands-on experience from vocational training is an advantage.

General and subject specific entry requirements must have been met at the time of applying.

Applicants are ranked with reference to their capacity to benefit from and complete the programme. Assessment is based primarily on prior study results, with particular consideration given to degree projects or equivalent, and the quality of the research plan and its relevance for the subject area. References, interviews, and other evaluations of the candidates are also taken into consideration.

The selection of eligible applicants will be based on:
• ability to assimilate the education
• previous academic study results
• the quality of the submitted research plan, in relation to the focus of the advertised doctoral position

The following assessment criteria are considered, examining the ability to assimilate the education:
• analytical ability
• communicative ability (written and oral)
• critical ability
• independence
• performance within given time frame 

Knowledge of quantitative methods is advantageous.

Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.

According to The Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12 §2, a decision of appointment to a doctoral studentship cannot be appealed. 

Please note: the Swedish version is the official version of this advertisement. In the case of any differences in information between this translation and the official version, the latter takes precedence and is the legally binding document.

Doctoral students will primarily devote themselves to their education at third-cycle level. Employment as a doctoral student is for the time necessary for the completion of research studies at a normal rate of study, which corresponds to a full-time position for four years. The initial contract of 12 months may be extended by up to a maximum of two years at a time, providing that the doctoral student’s individual study plan has been followed. Doctoral students may work with teaching and administration up to a maximum of 20 percent of their full-time employment. In such cases, the period of employment is extended with the equivalent time spend on teaching/administration, up to a maximum of one additional year.

Doctoral students are affiliated with the Postgraduate school in the educational sciences, coordinated with the doctoral training programme at the relevant department. Doctoral studies begin at the start of the autumn semester, 2 September 2023.  The place of work is Umeå University. Salary placement takes place according to Umeå university’s established salary scale for doctoral positions. Current entry-level salary is 30 900 SEK/month and rises in four steps to 35 600 SEK/month. Doctoral students are expected to actively contribute to the research environment.

The doctoral student will have their employment at the Department of Education and the department is responsible for the subject-specific research training and for supervision. Please see the general syllabus for more information.

According to The Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12 §2, a decision of appointment to a doctoral studentship cannot be appealed.

Applications are submitted in the e-recruitment system Varbi, found via the University’s page for open positions . The system is open for applications until March 29 2024.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A complete application (written in English, Swedish or in another Scandinavian language) must contain:

• A cover letter summarizing qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)
• CV/curriculum vitae
• Copies of grades and diplomas
• Essays/degree projects or other publications written in English, Swedish or in another Scandinavian language
• A research proposal that describes the intended dissertation project (max five pages, references excluded). The proposal must clearly relate to the focus of the Ph.D. position as described above
• Contact information to two reference persons (for instance former supervisors)

Please note: the Swedish version is the official version of this advertisement. In the case of any differences in information between this translation and the official version, the latter takes precedence and is the legally binding document.

For more information about the Department of Education and terms of employment please contact:

Head of department Jörgen From, 090-786 6510, [email protected] or

Doctoral programme coordinator and leader of the research project Peter Bergström, +46 90-786 53 81, [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your application!