Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Science

Mälardalen University (MDU) is Sweden's newest university. With our vision to be a progressive and collaborative university where we together shape a sustainable future, we want to make a real difference.

Would you like to contribute to our development?

Together, we contribute to a more sustainable future through knowledge and innovation. We believe that new knowledge and new perspectives are best created and achieved in collaboration with others - colleagues, students, industry, and the public sector both nationally and internationally.

At the School of Business, Society and Engineering, our students study to become, among others, engineers, political scientists, and economists. We have research orientations in industrial economics and organization and future energy. Our work is conducted in collaboration and in strategic agreements with companies, organizations, and authorities in the region.

Employment Information

• Employment Type: Fixed-term employment
• Employment Period/Start Date: By agreement
• Extent: Full-time
• Number of Positions: 1
• Application Deadline: 2026-01-11
• Location: Västerås
• Academy: School of Business, Society and Engineering (EST)

Job Responsibilities

A postdoctoral position aims to provide the recently graduated PhD the opportunity to develop their independence as a researcher and create conditions for further qualification. The position is fixed-term for a maximum of three years.

Within the framework of this position, the postdoctoral researcher will primarily conduct research on civil servants' and elected officials' attitudes towards democratic innovations. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the political science subject group, other researchers at the department, and the research orientation Future Energy (FEC). The research contributes to strengthening the academic environment around political participation and societal sustainability, focusing on both theoretical and empirical perspectives on democratic innovations. Teaching may be included in the position, but no more than 20 percent of the working time, primarily concerning courses in political science.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the applicant must have obtained a PhD in political science no later than three years before the application deadline and must not have previously held a postdoctoral position in the same or related subject area at MDU that exceeds one year in total.

Assessment Criteria

The selection will be based on the quality and relevance of the applicant's scientific work in relation to the advertised position. It is advantageous if the applicant has good theoretical knowledge in political science and good communication skills in spoken and written English, as well as good methodological skills in political science research. Experience in survey research and survey experiments is considered particularly beneficial. It is also advantageous if the applicant has experience in international research collaborations, has produced scientific publications beyond the doctoral thesis, has had other research-related assignments, has documented teaching experience, and has experience working in interdisciplinary contexts. Knowledge of, or a clear interest in, the Swedish language is also viewed positively.

In a comprehensive assessment of suitability, personal qualities will also be emphasized. All employees at MDU are expected to collaborate and treat colleagues and students with respect, take responsibility for the operations and their own tasks, and actively contribute to a good working environment.

For this position, particular emphasis will be placed on the applicant being responsible, well-structured, and organized, having the ability to drive their work forward and showing flexibility and adaptability. The applicant is expected to be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with colleagues and possess good social skills and a clear and professional communication style.

Application

You can submit your application by clicking the “Apply” button below.

The scientific publications that you are unable to attach digitally to your application should be sent by post to:

Mälardalen University
HR Department
Ref.no: 2025/3246
Box 883
721 23 Västerås

As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and received by the university no later than the application deadline.

Welcome with your application!

Union Representatives:

Saco-S [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Susanne Meijer ST-OFR/S, tel: 021-10 14 89

We kindly ask for no contact from advertisement salespeople. We have made our strategic choices for this recruitment.