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 PhD position in gender studies, in collaboration with Umeå School of Education.
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 and theoretically oriented. Within the framework of this position, the doctoral student will have considerable scope to develop their own research project. As a doctoral student, you will also be admitted to the Postgraduate School in Educational Sciences.
The Postgraduate School in Educational Sciences offers a coherent environment for doctoral education in the field of educational sciences at Umeå University. You will combine your doctoral education at UCGS with being part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary doctoral student group and have access to national and international research networks. As a doctoral student in the graduate school, you will contribute to the development of knowledge in the field, for the benefit of researchers as well as teachers and other educational professions.
Doctoral education comprises four years of full-time study (240 ECTS credits), starting on 31August 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 Postgraduate School in Educational Sciences together with doctoral students from other disciplines. Doctoral students in gender studies are expected to actively participate and engage in both UCGS and the Postgraduate School of Educational Sciences.
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
In the research proposal, an educational science perspective should be integrated, demonstrating how it contributes to the proposed dissertation work.
Application
Applications must be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi. The following documents should be uploaded in the system:
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
A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)
CV
Diplomas of Bachelor and Master level degrees and if necessary, other documents confirming that you are eligible
Attached documents must be in Word or PDF format. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application deadline: 6 march 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.
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.
