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The SOM Institute at Gothenburg University is a center for conducting questionnaire surveys and for research and development in the field of survey methodology. In close collaboration with research groups, authorities, and organizations, the SOM Institute conducts cross-sectional studies, panel studies, and experimental studies at the national, regional, and local levels in Sweden. The survey activities aim to collect and make available the best possible research data on the Swedish people's media habits, attitudes and behaviors, leisure habits, and lifestyles. The surveys currently constitute one of the most important data sources for Swedish research regarding society and politics, media usage, and public opinion formation.

The SOM Institute runs two major research activities: the annual SOM surveys and the Citizen Panel. A total of 15–20 people work at the SOM Institute, mainly in the categories of researchers, survey managers, and assistant survey managers. The SOM Institute also has a communicator, an administrator, and is led by a director.

Job Responsibilities

The SOM Institute is seeking 2–4 assistant researchers on a part-time basis (50–60%) with an start date of October 5, 2026, or by agreement. The position extends until January 8, 2027, and is aimed at someone who can participate in the institute's survey activities with a main focus on coding and transcribing data material from the SOM surveys and the Citizen Panel. The position also includes working with the digital management of documents from the SOM Institute, such as reports and book chapters, as well as assistance in various research projects conducted at the institute.

Qualifications

The individuals we are looking for have or are completing a degree in a social science subject. The work requires experience in handling data sets, great attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. Previous experience in similar tasks carries significant weight in the assessment. Experience using software such as Excel, SPSS, and Stata is also meritorious. Very good knowledge of Swedish is necessary to perform the coding of open-ended text responses.

An assistant researcher at the SOM Institute is part of a team and works closely with survey managers and assistant survey managers to solve both large and small tasks. Therefore, it is important to be flexible and ready to step in and do a bit of everything related to the SOM Institute's survey and seminar activities.

Employment

The position is located at the SOM Institute, which is a center within the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMG) at Gothenburg University. The institute is located in Linné at Seminariegatan 1b. The work takes place at the SOM Institute's premises and cannot be performed remotely.

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment

Scope: 50–60 percent during the period October 5, 2026 – January 8, 2027

Location: SOM Institute, Gothenburg

Start date: 2026-10-05 or by agreement

Reference number: PAR 2026/480

Recruitment Process

Applicants must attach a merit summary (personal details, current address, educational certificates, previous employment, language skills, theses, and other publications) as well as a detailed documentation of relevant experience to their application. In your cover letter, we ask you to describe your knowledge and experience that match the competence and experience we are seeking. The application must also include at least two references. The most qualified candidates may be invited to an interview. An work test may also be used during the recruitment process, which involves the candidate, after a short instruction from an employee at the SOM Institute, performing some common tasks included in the daily work, as well as using some software relevant to the work.

The deadline for applications is August 3, 2026. Read more about the SOM Institute's activities on the website: www.gu.se/som-institutet (http://www.gu.se/som-institutet)

Contact Information for the Position

For information about the position, contact Marcus Weissenbilder, Survey Manager at the SOM Institute ([email protected]) or HR Specialist Sofia Hallsten ([email protected]).

Trade Union Organizations

You can find trade union representatives at Gothenburg University here: https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/sa-blir-du-en-av-oss#kollektivavtal-och-fackliga-foretradare (https://www.gu.se/jobba-hos-oss/sa-blir-du-en-av-oss#kollektivavtal-och-fackliga-foretradare)

Application

You apply for the position via Gothenburg University's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it is submitted to the university no later than the final application date.

Application deadline: 2026-08-03

The University works actively for a working environment with equal conditions and values the qualities that diversity brings to the operations. The University applies individual salary setting. According to the National Archives' regulations, the University is required to keep application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you, as an applicant for a position, specifically request your documents back, they will be returned when the two years have elapsed; otherwise, they will be destroyed. To staffing and recruitment agencies and to you who are salespeople: Gothenburg University uses a procured advertising agency in connection with the recruitment of staff. We kindly but firmly decline direct contact with staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sellers of job advertisements.