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 Sociology is seeking a PhD student in sociology with a focus on politics, social media, and artificial intelligence. Start date as soon as possible or as agreed. Apply no later than 2025-07-21.
Research focus
The doctoral student’s research will examine how digital technologies, particularly social media and artificial intelligence, are transforming the conditions for political communication, mobilisation, and t power in contemporary societies. The project should be grounded in sociological theory and empirically oriented, focusing on how political ideas, actors, and conflicts are shaped and mediated through digital platforms. Central themes may include, for example, algorithmic influence on opinion formation, the role of AI-generated content in political discourse, the implications of digital communication platforms for democratic participation, or digital disinformation as a sociotechnical phenomenon.
Thematically and empirically, the research may also beneficially address questions relevant to criminology, for example, digital harassment and politically motivated online hate, the spread of extremist messages, or the use of social media or AI in politically motivated criminal practices.
The dissertation work may be conducted using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, and should connect to fields such as critical theory, digital sociology, criminology, or science and technology studies (STS). As part of the application, the doctoral student will draft a brief plan for an independent project aligned with the overarching research focus. Following admission, the dissertation plan will be developed in dialogue with the supervisor(s) and the research environment at the department. Link to the research group’s webpage: https://www.umu.se/en/research/groups/digitalsociology/
Eligibility
To be admitted to doctoral studies in sociology, applicants must meet both the general and specific entry requirements. General eligibility is granted to those who have completed a second-cycle (advanced level) degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 credits are at the second-cycle level, or who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
To meet the specific entry requirements for admission to doctoral studies in sociology, the applicant must have completed undergraduate studies in sociology comprising at least 90 higher education credits, as well as 60 credits at the advanced (Master’s) level in sociology, or have completed other education of equivalent scope and depth.
We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in critical social analysis and a desire to explore questions related to digital technology, power, and politics. Particular merits include:
Skills in relevant methods, such as qualitative text or discourse analysis, digital ethnography, quantitative analysis of digital data, social network analysis, or other digital research methods.
Excellent ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
Ability to work independently as well as actively contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment.
Previous experience in data analysis and/or programming in, for example, Python or R, is also considered an asset.
About the position
The doctoral position is offered for four years of full-time studies. The primary duty of the position holder is to pursue their own doctoral education. A limited amount of teaching and administrative tasks, corresponding to no more than twenty percent of full-time work, may be included. As a result, the total period of employment may be extended to a maximum of five years. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary scale for doctoral positions.
We expect the successful candidate to be present at the workplace in Umeå and to actively participate in the department’s joint activities.
The application must include:
A research plan describing the proposed doctoral project (maximum two pages, excluding references). The plan should relate to the research area described above and demonstrate the applicant’s ability to formulate a feasible project. If the applicant is offered the position, the plan may be substantially revised.
A personal letter (maximum one page) explaining your motivation for applying for the doctoral position.
A certified CV listing relevant academic degrees, previous employment, and a transcript of university courses and grades.
A copy of your degree certificate or verified documentation confirming that the degree requirements have been met.
Theses and/or other publications.
Any other qualifications relevant to the position.
Contact information for two referees.
The position may commence as soon as possible or by agreement. Apply via Varbi no later than 21 July 2025.
About us
The Department of Sociology offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral education in both sociology and library and information science. The department also contributes to several interdisciplinary programmes in collaboration with other departments at the university. It is home to DIGSUM, the Centre for Digital Social Research.
The department currently has around 65 employees, including 14 doctoral students. Research is conducted in areas such as Sociology of Work, Digital Sociology, Family Sociology, Criminology, Sociology of Knowledge and Information, Racism, Nationalism, Ethnicity and Migration, Social Policy and Welfare Research, and Sociology of Education. Much of this research is externally funded and carried out within larger research groups as well as by individual scholars. More information about the department’s activities is available on our website: Department of Sociology
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.
