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 Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Umeå University develops arts and humanities and invests in future Areas of Excellence.
The Department of Language Studies invites applications for the doctoral training programme in Sámi (Language didactics)
The Department of Language Studies is a creative and dynamic institution offering inspiring education based on a scientific foundation and pioneering research within a wide range of subjects. The department provides education and conducts research in linguistics, Scandinavian languages, modern languages and literatures (English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish), Sami (language and culture), language didactics, and educational work with focus on language and learning.
Short description of the subject and the intended applicant
We are seeking a doctoral candidate in Sámi, focusing on the field of Language Didactics. Study plan is available for reference here. We particularly welcome dissertation projects aligned with the research orientations of our supervisors.
As a doctoral candidate, you will formulate your individual research plan within the relevant specialization and independently manage your dissertation project in consultation with your supervisors. These supervisors are assigned based on the project's scholarly orientation. Continuous guidance and alignment occur through regular interactions with both supervisors and the director of the doctoral program. Your integration into the department's research environment is integral, requiring active participation in activities such as seminars, research networks, academic gatherings, and conferences. Additionally, your involvement extends to other departmental meetings and events, including workplace meetings and staff days. More information about PhD studies is found here.
Qualifications
General requirements To be admitted to studies at the third-cycle level, i.e. doctoral education, the applicant must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements. General requirements: a Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field, having completed course requirements worth at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle (Master’s) level, or in some other way – either in Sweden or abroad – having acquired equivalent knowledge.
Specific requirements See the general syllabi for more information about specific requirements. See general study plan.
Assessment criteria
Applicants are ranked with reference to their capacity to benefit from and complete the programme. The assessment is based primarily on prior study results, with particular consideration given to essays, and the quality of the research plan and its relevance for the subject area. The assessment is also based on references and interviews, and additional possible evaluations of the main candidates.
The degree must be completed at the latest at the end of the application period.
Terms of employment
Doctoral students will mainly devote themselves to their own doctoral studies. Employment as a doctoral student will be for the time deemed necessary for the completion of doctoral studies at a normal rate of study, which corresponds to a full-time position for four years. An initial contract of twelve months is extended with up to two years at a time provided that the individual study plan is followed. A doctoral student may, to a limited extent, also work with teaching and administration up to a maximum of 20 percent of a full-time position. The period of employment may thus be extended up to a maximum of five years. The entry level salary is SEK 33,100 and rises in three steps to SEK 39,200.
Additional information
Doctoral students are affiliated with a research school, normally the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Doctoral College. The studies are coordinated with the doctoral training programme at the Department of Language Studies.
The doctoral studies begin at the start of the autumn semester, 31 August 2026. The place of work is Umeå University. The doctoral students are expected to contribute actively to the research environment.
According to The Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 12, Section 2, a decision of appointment for a doctoral student position may not be appealed.
You are admitted to studies at the third-cycle level in Sámi at Umeå University. In case a residence permit is required for your stay in Sweden, the university reserves the right to revoke your admission if you are not granted a residence permit, or - if the date for the start of studies has been decided - if you cannot present a valid residence permit before the start date of the studies. The latest possible start date is 31 August 2026.
Application
The application must be written in Swedish or English, and must contain:
A degree certificate, transcript from the Ladok student registry, and/or equivalent attested copies of your academic transcripts proving that general and specific entry requirements are met.
Curriculum vitae, including name and contact information of two reference persons.
Copies of relevant Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and other relevant publications.
A letter that states your motivation for undertaking doctoral studies, and that specifies what expertise at the department is needed for carrying out your research.
Research plan – should normally not exceed 30,000 characters including spaces – that contains a description of the proposed: - purpose and research problem; - previous research; - implementation, that is, method, material and theory; - relevance; and - time plan.
Research proposals should be connected to our supervisors´ areas of expertise.
Your application must be registered in Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 6 March 2026.
Please note: the Swedish version is the official version of this advertisement. In the case of any differences in information between this and the official version, it is the official version that is the legally correct version of the advertisement for these doctoral student positions.
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.
