PhD Candidate in Political Science with a Focus on Sustainable Natural Resource Management

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of over 2.3 billion SEK. We have more than 1,800 employees and nearly 21,600 students.

We are seeking a PhD candidate in Political Science with an interest in sustainable natural resource management. You will be part of a newly established research program, MiningBrines. The program offers an innovative doctoral education to meet Europe’s strategic needs for sustainable access to critical raw materials, energy gases, and renewable energy. The program will engage 19 PhD candidates in Political Science, Geoscience, Biogeochemistry, Artificial Intelligence, and Economics. The program emphasizes a collaborative-based doctoral education to meet the increasing demand for qualified professionals who can transform geothermal multi-resources into a central driving force in Europe’s green transition.

Subject Description

For the established subject description, see established research subjects.

Project Description

The overall purpose of this PhD project is to analyze the various epistemic, economic, legal, political, and social acceptance issues related to brine extraction projects through established qualitative and quantitative methods based on public opinion and local attitudes. The project includes three main tasks: a) Identify key socioeconomic and environmental factors in ongoing brine extraction, b) Integrate factors (sociodemographic, technological, resource-related), attitudes, and values that influence acceptance of multi-resource extraction projects into a model, and c) Use the model to assess effects on acceptance for brine extraction.

You will have the opportunity to choose appropriate theory and make decisions regarding the operationalization of variables, methods, and analysis. Although the project’s tasks and goals are defined, you are encouraged to develop your own research questions and methodological approaches.

Responsibilities

You will participate in MiningBrines' joint program activities. Within your own field of Political Science, you will receive an individual study plan to follow. As a PhD candidate, you are expected to actively participate in the department's research environment, which means you will train in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective doctoral courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out teaching roles.

The place of employment is Luleå, but doctoral studies will also involve taking courses at other locations, as well as conducting study trips and conference travels to promote the development of valuable contacts, both in Sweden and internationally. You will also have opportunities to work with and influence the activities of the department and division. The work as a PhD candidate is problem-based. You will develop your skills to identify, delimit, formulate, and address political science and interdisciplinary problems. You will also enhance your ability to work with theoretical and analytical questions.

Qualifications

To be admitted to doctoral education in Political Science at Luleå University of Technology, you must have a master's degree in Political Science or a related field, as well as very good skills in oral and written communication in Swedish and English. Selection and ranking among applicants will be based on the ability to benefit from doctoral education.

Applicants will be assessed based on presented qualifications regarding depth and breadth in their education and their critical and analytical ability regarding scientific production, such as theses from undergraduate and advanced levels, as well as any other written scientific production. Experience in scientific writing and an understanding and interest in issues related to natural resource management in relation to ecological, social, and economically sustainable development are meritorious.

In addition to the above, the following are meritorious for the position:

• Strong grounding in political science theory and methods.
• Interest and ability to work across disciplinary boundaries.
• Knowledge of natural resource policy and management, particularly in relation to legitimacy, justice, and acceptance.
• Ability to operationalize acceptance variables in quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Interest in developing advanced quantitative methodological skills (using, for example, R or Python).
• Good collaborative and initiative skills.

Information

Employment as a PhD candidate is time-limited to 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties may be included up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. The expected start date for the position is September 2026.

For further information, please contact:

Gregory Poelzer, Associate Professor, 0920–49 2918, [email protected]
Felicia Robertson, Postdoctoral Researcher, [email protected]
Simon Matti, Professor and Subject Representative, 0920-49 2331, [email protected]
Jerry Blomberg, Department Head, 0920-49 2335, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037, [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721, [email protected]

For the full advertisement, visit ltu.se/lediga jobb (https://www.ltu.se/lediga-jobb)

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Reference number: 2541–2026
Application deadline: April 26, 2026