PhD position in political science with a focus on Transformation, Riskification and Geopolitics in the Arctic

The Department of Political Science is recruiting a doctoral student in political science with a focus on Transformation, Riskification and Geopolitics in the Arctic. Starting date September 1, 2022 or by agreement.

The aim of this doctoral project is to contribute with new empirical insights into political drivers in the development of the Arctic and to increase our contextual understanding by way of international concepts facilitating cross-disciplinary dialogue. The climate crisis and increasing competition over natural resources and security solutions challenge established forms of cooperation in the region and by extension the global goals of sustainability, for example as these are expressed Agenda 2030. The Arctic lacks an obvious center of gravity while the effects of transformation are unevenly distributed. Actors calculate risk under the influence of different geopolitical connotations. Who among the many actors involved have the power to influence Arctic transformation? Is it conceivable to arrive at a sustainable agenda, not broken by groups of optimists, skeptics and deniers?

As a doctoral student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary context with affiliation to both your own department and the Arctic graduate school with a focus on sustainable development.

Here you can read more about the Arctic graduate school at Arcum (link ).

The employment

A position as a doctoral student in the doctoral program amounts to four years of full-time studies (240 higher education credits). A Ph.D. student can also participate in teaching or other departmental activities up to 20% of the time. In such cases, the employment is extended corresponding to this time, at most by a year.

Further information about the department's doctoral education in political science, which is based on the general study plan, is available at: https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-political-science/education/doctoral-studies/

The student will work in Umeå and the teaching takes place on the campus area. Active participation in the department's activities and involvement in the activities is expected.

Eligibility

To possess basic eligibility, the applicant should hold an advanced degree, have completed studies equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of at least 60 credits at an advanced level and at least 90 credits within Political Science. Persons who in some other manner, in Sweden or abroad, have acquired skills that are equivalent to this requirement can ask to be considered eligible

Requirements

Your competence is assessed on the basis of suitability for the doctoral program.
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 frames
Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.
Application

You apply via our recruitment system Varbi.
A complete application must include:

• A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)
• Research proposal of 3-5 pages with a discussion of possible problems, purpose, theory and empirical data
• CV / curriculum vitae
• Copies of grades and diplomas at least one (but not more than three)
• Essays / degree projects (C- and master's / master's thesis), written in English or Swedish
• Contact information for one or more reference persons, alternatively two reference letters
• Any other merits of relevance for the position

Umeå University will offer a salary according to the current salary order for doctoral studies. The entry level is currently 29 000 SEK per month. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), the decision on employment cannot be appealed.
 
About the Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science at Umeå University has about 70 employees. The department conducts undergraduate education and research in political science and peace and conflict studies. For more information, see https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-political-science/ .

Formalities for the application are stated in this advertisement, but any questions can also be asked via e-mail Postgraduate programme coordinator Torbjörn Bergman at [email protected] or head of department Magnus Blomgren at [email protected]. For more information about the project please contact Professor Niklas Eklund, [email protected], Professor Camilla Sandström, [email protected]
We look forward to your application!