PhD Candidates for our Doctoral Program in Social Work in the Area of Humans in the Welfare Society

Research in social work involves understanding, explaining, problematizing, and theorizing social issues, their causes, and consequences for individuals, groups, and society.

Furthermore, it explores interventions to systematically and professionally assist individuals and groups who face various life challenges to gain more control over their situations and enhance well-being. The research field includes studies on the living conditions of marginalized individuals and groups, preventive and remedial social interventions, the interaction between individuals and their social environments, organization and governance, social movements and processes, community interventions, and social and welfare policy measures.

The doctoral program is affiliated with the Department of Social Work, where research in various profiles is conducted under the heading “Social Work for Social Justice.” We wish applicants to indicate a focus on one of the department's three research themes:

1. children, youth, and violence,
2. conditions for people with disabilities, or
3. relatives of individuals facing social issues, i.e., what can be referred to as caregiving (see here (https://www.mchs.se/forskning.html)).

Within the framework of the chosen focus, the applicant should outline a proposal for their dissertation work (see below). One of the doctoral positions has some external funding and is specifically focused on research about the everyday conditions of children or adults with disabilities, preferably mobility impairments.

The doctoral program in social work is part of the area of Humans in the Welfare Society at Marie Cederschiöld University and is conducted in accordance with the degree objectives in the Higher Education Ordinance.

Eligibility

To be admitted to the doctoral program in social work within the area of Humans in the Welfare Society, basic and specific eligibility and the ability to benefit from the education are required. See the university's admission regulations here (https://www.mchs.se/forskning/forskarutbildning.html).

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have:

• completed a degree at the advanced level,
• fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways.

Experience and a degree in social work are particularly meritorious.

Specific eligibility consists of completed course requirements of at least 30 higher education credits in subjects relevant to the doctoral subject of social work at the advanced level, of which at least 15 higher education credits consist of an independent project at the advanced level, or equivalent knowledge.

Furthermore, you have:

• Good collaborative skills,
• Good ability to prioritize and structure your tasks,
• Good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in Swedish and English,
• The ability to contribute to a good and healthy work environment.

Decision on Doctoral Employment

Decisions on doctoral employment are made in conjunction with decisions on admission to the doctoral program in social work within the area of Humans in the Welfare Society.

Employment Conditions

The doctoral position is time-limited. The total employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. The position is 100%.

It is also possible, by agreement, to devote up to 20% of full working time to, for example, teaching. Employment for a licentiate degree, 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time, may also be relevant. The salary for the doctoral position follows a fixed salary scale based on achieved activity within the doctoral program. The starting salary is 31,500 SEK per month.

Application

Applications are made via the university's recruitment system, Varbi. For more information about admission and the doctoral program, visit our website here (https://www.mchs.se/forskning/forskarutbildning.html).

The application should be accompanied by the following documents:

• A personal letter explaining why you are applying to the doctoral program in social work at Marie Cederschiöld University.
• A research sketch/draft project plan for the dissertation work, indicating the chosen focus (1. children and youth and violence, 2. conditions for people with disabilities, or 3. caregiving) containing the following headings: background, problem formulation, purpose, method, and expected significance of the project (maximum word count: 3000).
• Master's thesis.
• Application for assessment of eligibility. The form can be downloaded from here (https://www.mchs.se/forskning/forskarutbildning.html).
• CV with degrees, work experience, and other relevant merits.
• If necessary: Certificates confirming eligibility for doctoral studies. Foreign degrees and course certificates should normally be validated by the Swedish Council for Higher Education.

Application deadline: 2026-02-01

After processing the applications, a selection of candidates will be invited for an interview. All applicants will be informed when the recruitment process is completed. We welcome your application!

Inquiries

Social Work:
Professor Magnus Tideman
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Phone: 070-371 23 11

General information about the doctoral program:
Program Coordinator Carina Lundh-Hagelin
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Phone: 076-636 50 78

Vice-Rector Maria Eriksson
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Phone: 076-636 50 31

Study Administrator Anna Lögdberg
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Phone: 076-636 50 38

For union information:
Chair of the local SULF association
Elisabeth Christiansson Drake
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Phone: 076-636 50 79

For information from the doctoral student association:
Chair of the doctoral student association Cecilia Bauman
Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
Phone: 073-3021162

Marie Cederschiöld University is a workplace and an educational institution characterized by an open and inclusive approach, where equality and equal opportunities add value to our activities.

Marie Cederschiöld University has made a conscious choice of media for this recruitment, and we therefore request no contact with ad sellers or other sellers of recruitment services.

At Marie Cederschiöld University, research is conducted in the humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The university's doctoral program exists within the area of Humans in the Welfare Society with three doctoral subjects; health sciences, social work, and civil society science. The university also offers education at the undergraduate and advanced levels in health sciences, social work, and theology, as well as commissioned education. The university changed its name in 2022 from Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University to Marie Cederschiöld University.