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.
The Department of Political Science at Umeå University has about 70 employees. The department conducts undergraduate education and research in political science and peace and conflict studies. For more information, see https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-political-science/.
General description
The Department of Political Science is recruiting 1-2 doctoral students in political science. The starting date is February 2, 2026, or by agreement. The last day to apply for these positions is November 16, 2025.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place during week 50.
About the position
The position as a doctoral student is in political science. The doctoral project can focus on any topic of relevance to political science or peace and conflict studies, but will preferably relate to one or several of our five research profile areas in some way (please find information about the research profiles below).
We are looking for a doctoral student who is creative, highly motivated for participating in the PhD programme, with strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently. You will be able to shape your project to a significant extent, beginning with your research plan that is submitted as part of the application.
A position as a doctoral student in the doctoral program amounts to four years of full-time studies (240 ECTS). A Ph.D. student can also participate in teaching or other departmental activities up to 20% of the time. In such cases, the employment is extended correspondingly. The extent of teaching engagements will depend on the needs of the department as well as the interests of the PhD student.
The student will work in Umeå, and the doctoral program is given on site at Umeå University campus. Active participation and involvement in the Department's activities is expected.
Persons who have earned a degree at the advanced level, fulfilled course requirements for at least 240 ECTS points, of which at least 60 ECTS points are at the advanced level and at least 90 ECTS points are in peace and conflict studies, or political science are eligible to apply. In Sweden or abroad, people who have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge are also considered eligible to apply.
Requirements
Applicants’ qualifications are assessed in terms of their ability to complete a PhD dissertation and fulfil the course requirements of the PhD program. The evaluation includes a review of the applicant’s previous academic performance and the quality of submitted writing samples and project plan.
The evaluation of the ability to complete the PhD program also includes evaluating the applicant’s analytical skills, communicative skills (written and oral), critical skills, independence and ability to complete tasks within a given time frame.
Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.
Application
You apply via our recruitment system Varbi.
A complete application must include:
A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, research interests and reasons for applying (max two pages)
A research proposal of 3-5 pages with a discussion of potential research problem, purpose, theory, and empirical data
CV / curriculum vitae
Certified transcripts of academic records and degrees
1-3 writing samples in Swedish or English, e.g. B.A. thesis, master’s thesis, academic publications
Contact details from at least two references from whom letters of reference may be requested
Any additional qualifications
In the application, the applicant formulates a research plan that preferably relates to one or several of our five research profile areas. The application can be written in English or in Swedish. Attached documents must be in Word or PDF format.
Umeå University will offer a salary according to the current salary order for doctoral studies. The current entry-level salary for Ph.D. students is 32 000 SEK/Month. According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 12, Section 2), decisions on admissions cannot be appealed.
Formal requirements for the application can be found in this call. Additional questions can be addressed to the Director of doctoral studies Elisabeth Olivius at Elisabeth.olivius@umu.se or to the Head of the department Malin Eklund Wimelius at Malin.wimelius@umu.se.
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.
