Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Umeå Centre for Gender Studies (UCGS) is announcing one to two PhD positions in gender studies within the framework of The gender research school.
Gender studies is a broad and interdisciplinary field of knowledge, where gender in a wide sense is studied, often in relation to other aspects of power within a social or cultural context. Research in the field spans from the humanities and social sciences to medical and technical-natural sciences.
Doctoral projects in gender studies can be both empirically or theoretically oriented. Within the framework of this position, the doctoral student will have considerable scope to develop their own research project.
Since 2001, The gender research school has offered co-financed doctoral education in collaboration with all faculties at Umeå University. A doctoral position at UCGS entails active participation in The gender research school, a unique and dynamic research training environment currently hosting around twenty doctoral students.
Employment
Doctoral education comprises four years of full-time study (240 ECTS credits), starting on 1 September 2026 or according to agreement. Opportunities for some teaching and/or other duties at UCGS may be offered, in which case the employment will be extended accordingly. For more details about doctoral education in gender studies, including the general syllabus, see here.
The place of employment is Umeå, and work will primarily be carried out on campus. The doctoral student will be admitted to The gender research school together with doctoral students from other disciplines. Doctoral students in gender studies are expected to actively participate and engage in both UCGS and The gender research school activities.
Eligibility
The general entry requirements for admission to doctoral education are a completed second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways within or outside Sweden.
To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to doctoral education in gender studies, the applicant must have at least 90 ECTS credits in gender studies or a Master’s degree in Gender studies of at least 60 ECTS credits.
Assessment and selection criteria
Selection among applicants for available positions in doctoral education will be based on their ability to benefit from the education, previous study results, and the quality of the submitted research proposal. The following criteria will be applied when assessing the ability to successfully complete the education:
Written and oral communication skills
Independence
Critical ability
Analytical ability
Ability to complete tasks within given time frames
Application
Applications must be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi. The following documents should be uploaded in the system:
1. Research proposal (max 5 pages excluding references) for the intended dissertation project, including:
Problem formulation, purpose, and research questions
Previous research and contribution to the research front
Theoretical framework
Research strategy, method, and material
2. A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)
Attached documents must be in Word or PDF format. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Application deadline: 30 January 2026.
About Umeå Centre for Gender Studies
Umeå Centre for Gender Studies offers education in Gender studies at all levels, from undergraduate and advanced level to doctoral education. UCGS is one of the largest gender research environments in Sweden. The unit is a vibrant and creative research environment that promotes cross-sectoral encounters and scientific collaborations, actively striving to address current societal challenges through knowledge development and education. We serve as a hub responsible for creating a cohesive and strong organization for gender studies research and education at Umeå University.
For questions about doctoral education in gender Studies and the activities of The gender research school, see the links above or contact:
Director of doctoral studies Johanna Overud, johanna.overud@umu.se, +4690-786 97 08 Deputy Director Liselotte Eriksson, liselotte.eriksson@umu.se, +4690-786 69 41
Salary is set according to the established salary ladder for doctoral positions. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), decisions on employment cannot be appealed.
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
