PhD Candidate in Social Work within the project “Elderly Persons with Intellectual Disabilities – Consequences of Conflicts between Different Laws, Changing Municipal Organizations, and Various Care Forms”

Uppsala University, Department of Social Work

Job Responsibilities

The PhD education in social work consists of four years of full-time studies leading to a doctoral degree.

The purpose of the PhD program is to provide in-depth knowledge in social work and to train independent and critical researchers with broad theoretical social science knowledge, methodological skills, and the ability to conduct research projects. The work is carried out in close collaboration with supervisors and in a research environment with regular seminars.

As a PhD candidate associated with this project, you will also have the opportunity to develop expertise on elderly individuals with intellectual disabilities and how society can provide adequate support. You will participate in ongoing research work in close collaboration with other researchers in the group.

The job responsibilities will include:

• recruitment of informants
• interviews with professionals in social services and processing and analysis of these, observations and interviews with elderly persons with intellectual disabilities and processing and analysis of these
• written and publication of own and co-authored manuscripts in scientific journals
• collaboration with reference groups consisting of professionals and individuals with intellectual disabilities
• participation in national and international conferences and
• communication of the study's results to professionals in municipalities and individuals with intellectual disabilities

The research will result in a doctoral dissertation. The PhD candidate's responsibilities also include taking courses to gain in-depth knowledge of the subject and developing theoretical and methodological skills. The position may also include some administration and teaching up to 20%.

Qualification Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral education in social work, basic and specific eligibility is required.

Basic eligibility is met by those who have obtained a degree at the advanced level (master's or equivalent), completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

For specific eligibility to be admitted to doctoral education in social work, the applicant must have passed courses amounting to 90 higher education credits in social work or equivalent knowledge. Equivalent knowledge can be obtained through at least the same number of higher education credits in related disciplines (e.g., sociology, pedagogy, psychology, law) with a clear specialization relevant to social work (e.g., through a thesis). Specific eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways within or outside the country.

The applicant must have good knowledge of Swedish and English in both spoken and written form.

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

• Experience in social work within disability and/or elderly care
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Knowledge of alternative and augmentative communication

The applicant should be able to work both independently and function well in a group. Therefore, great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability in the selection process.

Selection

The selection process will be based on the applicants' ability to benefit from the education. The assessment will be based on the applicant's grades, the quality of thesis work, references, relevant experience, personal suitability, the applicant's written motivation for applying for the position, and interviews. Individual interviews with a selection of applicants will be conducted in the spring.

The application should include

1. Completed form: Application for admission to doctoral education: link (https://www.uu.se/download/18.3d05a9541939564b8da3c9c5/1734071769403/anso%C3%8C%C2%88kningsblankett_fu.pdf#Antagning)
2. A longer personal letter describing the applicant's background and motivation for the application as well as suitability for the position (max 1000 words excluding any references to relevant literature). The letter should also include information about the applicant's competence to carry out the project.
3. Contact details for a maximum of two referenced persons.
4. Certified copies of degree certificates for relevant degrees or equivalent.
5. Documents that support work experience if applicable.
6. Works of a scientific nature (bachelor's, master's theses, published books, book chapters, articles, or other written material).

Regulations for doctoral candidates can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance 5 chap §§ 1-7 university's rules and guidelines. link (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/)

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on “Apply here” or visit Uppsala University's website: link (https://uu.se/jobb/)

About the position

The position is temporary, according to HF 5 chap § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date September 1, 2025, or by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Director of Graduate Studies Stina Fernqvist, stina.fernqvist@uu.se (mailto:stina.fernqvist@uu.se), tel. 072-999 96 58, or head Cecilia Wåhlstedt, cecilia.wahlstedt@psyk.uu.se (mailto:cecilia.wahlstedt@psyk.uu.se), tel. 018-471 21 46.

Welcome with your application by April 7, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/700

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University link (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security screening. In security screening, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.