Vacant job

At the Special Education Institution, research is conducted from a variety of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature that characterizes special education as a scientific subject.

The special education research addresses conditions for participation and learning from a societal, organizational, group, and individual perspective. The focus is to investigate how educational environments can support or hinder development, learning, and socialization among children and adults.

We investigate how difficulties can be prevented by studying the interaction between individuals and environments, identifying protective and risk factors at different levels for people with disabilities, individuals in socially vulnerable situations, and children and students in need of support.

The research includes studies of democracy, values, human rights from the perspective of inclusion and participation, as well as questions about how favorable educational environments are created for all children and youth. Other questions studied concern what different disabilities may mean for the individual and for the context they are part of.

More information about us can be found at: http://www.specped.su.se (http://www.specped.su.se).

Research Education Subject
The doctoral positions are funded by the Swedish Research Council (Dnr: 2025–07018): Strengthening Teacher Education for Equitable Practice in Swedish Schools (Research School STEPS). The research school is coordinated by the University of Gothenburg in collaboration with Uppsala University and Stockholm University.

Three doctoral students will be admitted to the doctoral education in special education at Stockholm University. The doctoral projects will focus on research-based practices, professional development, practice-based coaching, validation of tools and observation protocols aimed at improving students' learning, participation, well-being, and engagement, as well as quality and equity in education. The types of schools involved range from preschool to upper secondary education. During their training, the doctoral students will participate in teaching within teacher education programs (special educators, special teachers, teachers). For more information about the focus of the research school, see here (https://www.su.se/enheter/specialpedagogiska-institutionen/nyheter/nyhetsartiklar/2025-12-08-medel-till-forskarskolan-steps).

Eligibility Requirements
To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility. The eligibility must be fulfilled by the last application date.

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

Specific eligibility for doctoral education in special education is granted to those who have: completed courses of at least 90 hp in special education or in a relevant subject for doctoral education in special education; at least 15 of the higher education credits must consist of a thesis at the advanced level; or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside the country. Instruction is provided in Swedish and English.

Selection
Selection among applicants is made with regard to the ability to benefit from doctoral education. Criteria used to assess this ability include:

• familiarity with the research area
• analysis and structure in previous work
• methodological and scientific ability
• familiarity with the research area of the dissertation
• ability to express oneself in writing in an academic genre.

The assessment will be based on the research plan, previous studies and grades, quality of the independent work, references, relevant experience, and the applicant's written motivation for the application.

Previous education, work experience, and academic work in the field of special education are meritorious. Given the focus of the research school, the research projects should develop knowledge relevant to teacher education.

Read more about the assessment process in the General Study Plan on the website: here (https://www.su.se/specialpedagogiska-institutionen/forskning/b%C3%B6rja-forska).

Admission regulations for doctoral education (https://medarbetare.su.se/vart-su/styrning/regelboken/utbildning/antagningsordning-for-utbildning-pa-forskarniva)

About the Position
We offer a fixed-term position as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The duration of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you will primarily focus on your own doctoral education, but the position may include work in education, research, and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%).

A new doctoral position is valid for a maximum of one year, and the position is renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information is provided by the contact person for the research school at Stockholm University, Professor Mara Westling Allodi, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or by the director of doctoral education Iris-Corinna Schwarz, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application
You apply for the doctoral position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university by the last application date.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: here (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.