Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Science

The Swedish Defence University is an internationally renowned institution in defense, crisis management, and security. We offer a unique academic environment where civilian meets military. We educate civilian and military leaders, experts, and researchers who will analyze and manage today's and future crisis situations and security issues. The Swedish Defence University trains Sweden's officers and leads the academic development of the officer profession. We conduct research in law focusing on operational law and international law, defense systems, war science, leadership and management, military history, and political science.

The political science research at the Swedish Defence University analyzes how security and insecurity are created, who security is for, and how crises are prevented and managed – in all cases in a Swedish, European, and global context. We explore threats, conflicts, decision-making processes, communication processes, identity construction, and ethical dilemmas concerning the state, society, and individual, with a particular focus on Sweden and the Nordic countries, the European Union, the United States, Russia, and East Asia.

The purpose of our research and education is to contribute to a more complex and nuanced understanding of the world. Our researchers regularly participate with their expertise in national and international media, advise decision-makers, engage in commissioned education, and work to increase knowledge in society on current issues.

The political science research at the Swedish Defence University can be divided into two overarching themes - security policy and crisis management - as well as a number of orientations that organize researchers as well as doctoral students.

Description

The position as a postdoctoral researcher is part of the research project Crisis Management and Total Defense, governance, management, and collaboration. The work involves interdisciplinary research focusing on the role of administrative policy in building the civil and military defense of Europe. The project focuses on local, regional, national, and international levels. In this call, we are looking for a person who wants to study the EU and/or NATO.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to this research project by planning and conducting appropriate studies in dialogue with the project leader. The work should be reported in the form of scientific publications in international and reputable journals or publishers. The work is carried out in close collaboration with other researchers at the department as well as within the framework of international networks. Additionally, the position includes up to 20 percent teaching.

Who are we looking for?

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, it is required that the applicant has obtained a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree, in political science or another subject relevant to the research task, e.g., sociology, international relations, public administration, or war science. Priority will be given to those who have obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

To thrive with us, you need to be an engaged and present individual who wants to contribute to the professional development of the Swedish Defence University, a collegial culture of collaboration, and social cohesion. It comes naturally for you to share your knowledge and contribute to creating a rewarding and good working environment.

Meritorious

Documented scientific proficiency in political science (or related subjects). Documented experience of independent and collaborative research. Excellent communication skills as well as fluency in English and Swedish in both spoken and written form. Knowledge and previous studies and publications within the EU, NATO, crisis management, public administration, and/or civil/total defense in Sweden or other countries.

About the position

This is a temporary full-time position for two years (two years with the possibility of extension for one year depending on funding). The start date is as soon as possible after the recruitment process is completed.

Employment at the Swedish Defence University may involve a security assessment for placement in a security class, which includes a background check and, in some cases, a security interview with the Security Police.

The position may involve military placement. If you are already military placed in your current employment at an authority and your competence is needed in the Swedish Defence University's military organization, a negotiation will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding where you will be placed.

We welcome both Swedish and international applicants.

Start Date

By agreement.

Salary and Benefits

The Swedish Defence University applies individual salary setting.

Benefits for employees at the Swedish Defence University - FHS/Benefits/employee.

Application

The application should include a CV and cover letter as well as previous academic publications and be submitted via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system by clicking on the link “Log in and apply for the job” on the advertisement page. Mark your application with dnr HR 1/2026.

The complete application must be received by the Swedish Defence University no later than the last application day at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Welcome with your application by January 27, 2026!

For contact with the employee organizations at the Swedish Defence University, email [email protected], OFR/[email protected], and OFR/[email protected].

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance due to government procurement regulations.