Vacant job

The position is located at the Air and Space Department within the Department of Military Science in Stockholm.

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a sub-project titled "Space Power Theories and Warfare in the Space Domain," funded by the Swedish Armed Forces. The project focuses on developing understanding, ideas, and concepts related to the evolution of space power theories. This research contributes to building a stronger research environment for understanding space as an operational domain from a Swedish perspective and is conducted in close collaboration with sub-projects within the defense systems field and with the Swedish Armed Forces.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to contribute to the field by planning and conducting research activities, as well as disseminating results at conferences and in scientific publications in collaboration with other researchers in the area. The research project includes in-depth interviews, some of which may need to be conducted in Swedish. Research constitutes 80% of the working hours. There is an opportunity to engage in teaching and supervision for up to 20%.

The responsibilities also include participation in other activities within the framework of the Swedish National Defence College's military program, as well as supporting subject development, primarily within the sub-field. Additionally, the role involves contributing to collaboration and the development of contacts with the Swedish Armed Forces, other authorities, companies, other higher education institutions, countries, and organizations relevant to the development of the research area.

Qualifications

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, the candidate must have completed a PhD, or a foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD, in a subject relevant to the research task. Priority is given to social science disciplines, but applicants from other fields are also welcome provided they have a relevant research profile.

The degree must be completed no later than at the time the employment decision is made. If you have not yet defended your thesis, please state your planned defense date in your application.

The applicant must have obtained their degree no more than three years prior to the deadline for applications. When calculating the three-year time limit, the starting point is the last day of application. In special circumstances, a degree obtained earlier may be accepted. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, or trust-based positions within trade unions, etc.

The applicant must not have previously been employed as a postdoctoral researcher for more than one year in the same or closely related subject area with the same employer.

The applicant must have at least a basic understanding of Swedish in both speech and writing. If the appointed candidate does not master Swedish at the time of employment, they are expected to acquire the necessary language skills within the two years of employment.

Great importance is attached to personal suitability. To thrive and fit into the role, you should be motivated, structured, and communicative, with a good ability to take initiative and start new tasks. We expect you to actively participate in the department's research activities and enjoy collaborating with others.

Merits

• Documented scientific proficiency in social science research with a focus on space.
• Documented experience in independent and collaborative research.
• Excellent communication skills and fluent English, both spoken and written.
• Knowledge and previous studies/publications related to military operations, crisis management, or civil/total defense.
• Knowledge and experience related to activities within NATO.

Employment

The position is a fixed-term appointment under a central collective agreement for two years full-time, with the possibility of extension for one year. Start date: as soon as possible or by agreement. Location: Stockholm.

An employment at the Swedish National Defence College may involve a security clearance according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585).

The position may also involve war-time posting. If you are already war-time posted in your current employment at an authority and your competence is needed in the Swedish National Defence College's war organization, a negotiation will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish National Defence College regarding your placement.

Start Date by agreement.

The Swedish National Defence College applies individual salary setting.

Benefits for employees at the Swedish National Defence College: https://www.fhs.se/om-forsvarshogskolan/jobba-hos-oss/formaner.html (https://www.fhs.se/om-forsvarshogskolan/jobba-hos-oss/formaner.html)

Application

The application must include a cover letter explaining why you are qualified for the position (max 1 page), a CV including scientific publications, and a copy of your PhD diploma.

Apply via the Swedish National Defence College's recruitment system by clicking the "Apply" link on the advertisement page. The recruitment system contains several selection questions to answer. Here you enter your experience and merits and upload all documents you wish to submit in support of your application.

The complete application must be received by the Swedish National Defence College no later than midnight on the last day of application, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Information about the position is provided by the Director of the Air and Space Centre, Dr/Lt Col Kent Andersson, via email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

During the period from midsummer onwards, response times to questions about the position may be longer than usual due to holiday periods. Questions received during this period may, in some cases, be answered only after the holiday period has ended.

We welcome your application by August 16, 2026!

For contact with the employee organizations at the Swedish National Defence College, email [email protected], OFR/[email protected], and OFR/[email protected]. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance due to public procurement regulations.