PhD Position in English at Uppsala University

Do you want to pursue a doctoral education with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University!

The Faculty of Languages at Uppsala University conducts teaching and research in several classical and contemporary languages and cultures, as well as linguistics and language technology.

This diversity of linguistic, literary, and cultural orientations forms a core of humanities research and also lays a sustainable foundation for fruitful collaborations within the faculty, as well as with other scientific fields and society at large.

The Department of English encompasses five specializations in both teaching and research: English linguistics, English literature, American literature, Irish, and the Swedish Institute for North American Studies (SINAS). Research is conducted in all these areas. The doctoral education in English is divided into three sections, one focusing on English linguistics, one on English literature, and one on American literature. We are now seeking a PhD candidate in English with one of these three focuses. We welcome applications in all areas of English, including dissertation projects that intersect with the department's Celtic section, the Swedish Institute for North American Studies, and/or subject didactics. We encourage applicants from all countries to apply for the position.

At the Department of English, PhD students are integrated into the research environment. They are also expected to become part of national and international networks by, for example, attending conferences where they present their research. Summaries of recently defended doctoral dissertations are available online.

Job Responsibilities

The doctoral education consists of four years of full-time studies and is financed through employment as a PhD student at the Department of English. Institutional duties, such as teaching, may (by agreement) be included in the work up to 20 percent of full-time. The PhD candidate is expected to participate in and contribute to the department's activities. The doctoral dissertation must be written in English.

The successful candidate will work full-time on doctoral studies in Uppsala and is expected to actively participate in the department's activities, including research seminars, workshops, and staff meetings. The position provides access to all Swedish social benefits such as paid parental leave. If the position includes teaching and other duties, it will be extended accordingly. All PhD students have access to their own office space and are expected to be present at the department full-time.

Qualifications

The basic eligibility for doctoral education is met by those who:

• have completed a master's degree, or
• have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

Eligible for admission to doctoral education in English is the one who, in addition to the basic eligibility, also has special eligibility. The special eligibility is regulated in the study plan (https://www.uu.se/download/18.7772cd27191974d3b2e21212/1725368540570/Allma%C3%B1n%20studieplan%20fo%C3%B6r%20utbildning%20pa%C3%A2%20forskarniva%C3%A2%20i%20engelska%20SPRA%C3%8AKFAK%20202412.pdf).

Assessment Criteria

Admission to doctoral education is prepared by the department's advisory committee and decided by the head of the department. The preparation is based on a qualitative overall assessment of the applicants' ability to benefit from doctoral education in English and contribute to a positive development of the activities. Particular emphasis is placed on the quality of the applicants' independent work and dissertation plan. The advisory committee's assessment also takes into account the department's ability to supervise the respective applicants' various projects. Applicants selected for the shortlist for the position will be invited for interviews.

Please note that admission to doctoral education at Uppsala University is highly competitive and that a master's degree or equivalent competence at the time of application is a prerequisite.

Other Information

Regulations for PhD students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1–7 and in the guidelines (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/organisation-styrning/regler/riktlinjer-for-utbildning-pa-forskarniva-vid-uppsala-universitet#h-3Antagningtillutbildningpaforskarniva). The doctoral education in English is regulated in the subject's study plan (https://www.uu.se/download/18.7772cd27191974d3b2e21212/1725368540570/Allma%C3%B1n%20studieplan%20fo%C3%B6r%20utbildning%20pa%C3%A2%20forskarniva%C3%A2%20i%20engelska%20SPRA%C3%8AKFAK%20202412.pdf).

On the Department of English's website, there is additional information about the doctoral education. To find the information, select the link “Education” and then the link “Doctoral Education”.

Application

The application should be written in English. The list of what a complete application should contain can be found here (https://www.uu.se/institution/engelska/utbildning/forskarutbildning).

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date is September 1, 2026, or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Adam Hjorthén, Director of Studies for Doctoral Level, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Welcome with your application by March 2, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3790

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. 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 most exciting workplaces in the country.

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

The position may be subject to security vetting. A prerequisite for employment in the case of security vetting is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])