PhD Position in Anthropology
Stockholm University
Sweden

Institution: Stockholm University, Department of Social Anthropology
Reference Number: SU FV-0308-26
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Employment: Full-time, fixed-term, up to 4 years (according to Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5)
Number of Positions: 2

Overview

The Department of Social Anthropology at Stockholm University is seeking PhD students to pursue doctoral research in social anthropology. The program provides advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge required for critical and independent research.

The program is divided into:

• Coursework Component: 60 credits

• Dissertation Component: 180 credits

The doctoral program is conducted in English; proficiency in Swedish is not required at admission but is expected within two years to carry out teaching and administrative duties.

Duties

• Devote primarily to doctoral education.

• May include work in education, research, or administration (maximum 20% of time).

• Participate in departmental research and teaching activities.

• Must be physically present in Stockholm during term time.

Eligibility Requirements

General Eligibility:

• Completed second-cycle degree (Master’s or equivalent, ≥240 higher education credits, with ≥60 at second-cycle level)

Specific Eligibility for Social Anthropology PhD:

• ≥120 credits in Social Anthropology or a comparable subject, with ≥60 at second-cycle level

• At least 15 second-cycle credits must constitute a thesis project

• Demonstrated academic rigor and ability to conduct independent research

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be assessed on their capacity to benefit from the PhD program, including:

• Independent judgment and academic rigor

• Ability to formulate research questions

• Methodological and scientific maturity

• Critical analysis skills

• Ability to structure material using anthropological concepts and methods

• Originality in analysis

• Competence in ethnographic methods

• Collaboration and communication skills

Employment Conditions

• Contract Type: Fixed-term, full-time

• Salary: 31,600 SEK per month

• Benefits: Standard Swedish social security (sickness, rehabilitation, parental leave)

• Maximum employment duration aligns with 4 years of full-time doctoral study

• Employment renewals: first year maximum 1 year, subsequent renewals maximum 2 years at a time

Application Documents

Applicants should apply via Stockholm University’s recruitment system and include:

• Personal letter

• Curriculum Vitae

• Any other attachments requested in the application form

Application Deadline: 15 March 2026

Contacts

• Director of Studies, PhD Programme: Mark Graham – mark.graham@socant.su.se, +46 8 16 21 44

• Head of Department: Renita Thedvall – renita.thedvall@socant.su.se, +46 70 283 54 62

Union Representatives:

• ST/OFR: st@st.su.se

• Saco-S: saco@saco.su.se

• Seko: sekodirekt@seko.se

Additional Notes

• The department is Sweden’s largest in social anthropology with a dynamic international faculty.

• PhD candidates are expected to carry out independent research while benefiting from structured doctoral training.

• Stockholm University values equal opportunities and diversity.

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