PhD Positions in Social Work at Uppsala University

The Department of Social Work (ISA) is responsible for the social work program, master's program, doctoral education, and research in social work at Uppsala University.

At the department, research is conducted on social problems, their causes and consequences at the individual, group, and societal levels, often closely linked to the practice of social work. Individual projects address topics such as the elderly, disabilities, mental health issues, early and preventive interventions, vulnerability among children, youth, and families, various forms of violence, communication within social work, social services' work, and working conditions.

ISA hereby announces 3-4 PhD positions in social work, starting on September 1, 2026. This announcement is part of an initiative to strengthen research in social work at Uppsala University.

Job Responsibilities

Doctoral education consists of four years of full-time studies leading to a doctoral degree. As a PhD student with us, you will conduct research studies by both taking courses and independently producing a doctoral dissertation. The purpose of the doctoral education is to provide in-depth knowledge in social work and to educate independent and critical researchers with broad theoretical social science knowledge, methodological skills, and the ability to carry out research projects. The dissertation work involves choosing a specific topic, reviewing existing research, determining a research design, and collecting and analyzing research data. The work is conducted in close collaboration with supervisors and in a research environment with regular seminars. There is also the possibility to spend parts of the education as a guest PhD student at an institution in another country. The employment may also include teaching and some administration up to 20%, in which case the total PhD duration will be extended accordingly.

Qualifications

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

• Basic eligibility is met by those who have obtained a degree at the advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.
• Specific eligibility for doctoral education in social work is met by those who have achieved a passing grade in courses of 90 higher education credits in social work or have equivalent knowledge. Equivalent knowledge can be obtained through at least 90 higher education credits in related disciplines (e.g., sociology, pedagogy, psychology, law) with a clear specialization relevant to social work (e.g., through a thesis). Specific eligibility is also granted to those who have acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways within or outside the country.
• The applicant must have good knowledge of Swedish and English in both spoken and written form.

Assessment Criteria

The selection process will be based on the applicants' ability to benefit from the education. The assessment will be based on the quality of thesis papers and research plans, references, relevant merits and experiences in the field of social work, grades, personal suitability, the applicant's written motivation for applying for the position, and interviews. Individual interviews with a selection of applicants will be conducted in the spring.

The application should include:

• Completed form: Application for admission to doctoral education: Application for admission (https://www.uu.se/download/18.100db49e19c2c569b6f49ae/1770361961882/Ansokan_forskarniva_210304.pdf)
• Personal letter describing the applicant's background (max 500 words).
• Contact details for a maximum of two referees.
• A research plan (see below) that includes a maximum of 1500 words excluding references.
• Certified copies of degree certificates 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.
• Works of a scientific nature (bachelor's, master's theses, published books, book chapters, articles, or other written material).

Research Plan

In the research plan, the applicant presents their own proposal for a topic for their doctoral dissertation with clear relevance to social work. The research plan should state and justify a purpose and show one or more possible directions for the applicant's research and serves as a basis for assessing the applicant's ability to identify potentially interesting questions and make relevant considerations about theory, method, and research ethics in relation to planned research. Furthermore, it can place the research idea within the department's existing research. The plan may also include information about the applicant's competence to carry it out.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date is September 1, 2026, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala. Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines.

Fixed salary according to the local collective agreement on salaries for doctoral students. See the applicable collective agreement: Collective agreement (https://www.saco.fackorg.uu.se/download/18.d61288319a7bc5728b10c7e/1763376858276/Lokalt%20kollektivavtal%20om%20l%C3%83%C2%B6ner%20f%C3%83%C2%B6r%20doktorander%202025-10-01%20samt%202026-10-01.pdf)

Inquiries about the position can be made to:

Director of Doctoral Education Stina Fernqvist, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), tel. 072-999 96 58, or Head Cecilia Wåhlstedt, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), tel. 018-471 21 46.

Welcome with your application by March 23, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/441

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 is like to work at Uppsala University Work with us (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

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