PhD Positions in Sociology at Uppsala University

The Department of Sociology at Uppsala University hereby announces up to three PhD positions with open orientation in sociology.

The department intends to admit applicants with excellent academic qualifications who demonstrate the ability to conduct research in sociology. The doctoral education consists of four years of full-time studies and leads to a doctoral degree.

The purpose of the doctoral education is to provide in-depth knowledge in sociology and to train independent and critical researchers with broad theoretical social science expertise and methodological skills. The education is anchored in an international scientific environment with research groups and regular seminar activities. The program includes taking doctoral courses to provide in-depth knowledge of the subject and to develop theoretical and methodological skills. The education also includes administrative duties and teaching up to 20%. Further information about the doctoral studies can be found at: http://www.soc.uu.se/utbildning/Forskarutbildning (http://www.soc.uu.se/utbildning/Forskarutbildning)

Qualification Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral education in sociology, basic and specific eligibility is required.

• Basic eligibility is met by those who have obtained a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way within or outside the country.
• Specific eligibility for admission to doctoral education in sociology requires that the applicant has passed courses totaling 90 higher education credits in sociology or equivalent knowledge.

For admission to the program, the applicant must:

• be assessed to have the abilities necessary to complete the doctoral education;
• have qualifications that enable the applicant, if needed, to teach in the department's undergraduate program (in Swedish);
• have very good skills in English, both spoken and written;
• be able to work both independently and within a group.

Selection

The selection process will be based on the applicants' ability to benefit from the education and carry out the research project. The assessment will be based on the applicant's grades, the quality of thesis work, references, relevant experiences, personal suitability, the applicant's written motivation for applying for the position including the research plan, and interviews.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines.

The application must include:

• Application for admission to doctoral studies: https://www.uu.se/download/18.47485c5919b379183f19704d/1769592435563/Ansokan_forskarniva_210304.pdf (https://www.uu.se/download/18.47485c5919b379183f19704d/1769592435563/Ansokan_forskarniva_210304.pdf)
• A personal letter describing the applicant's background and motivation for the application as well as suitability for the position (max 1000 words). The letter should also include information about the applicant's competence to carry out the project.
• Certified copies of diplomas for relevant degrees or equivalent.
• Certified transcript of records (e.g., Ladok) showing grades for completed courses.
• Documents supporting professional experience in research activities, if applicable.
• Research plan (see below).
• Works of a scientific nature (bachelor's, master's theses, published books, book chapters, articles, or other written material).
• Contact details for two referees.

Please note that the authenticity of the submitted documents must be verified by at least two persons whose contact details must also be provided.

Research Plan:

A short research plan for the dissertation work should be attached (approximately 2000 words). In the research plan, the applicant is expected to discuss the intended dissertation research task in relation to previous research and theory and briefly present a suitable method for the study. At the end of the research plan, the applicant may reflect on how the intended dissertation work relates to ongoing research at the department. The purpose of the research plan is to test the applicant's ability to structure a research task, relate it to sociological theories, choose appropriate methods, and evaluate the applicant's research interests in relation to the department's research activities. Applicants will, when the formal requirements are met, be assessed and ranked based on the submitted written material including the research plan. The research plan can be formulated in English or Swedish.

Interviews with the highest-ranked applicants may occur.

Applicants should be available for interviews, either through meetings at the department or via Zoom on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7, until August 31, 2030. The extent is full-time. Start date is September 1, 2026. Location: Uppsala.

Salary: The selected candidate will be offered a doctoral position for a period of four years. Salary placement will be according to local guidelines at Uppsala University.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Maria Törnqvist, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), or Head of Department, Professor Hannah Bradby, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Welcome with your application by March 9, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/420

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. 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 country's most exciting workplaces.

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

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment during security clearance 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])