Postdoctoral Students in Social Sciences (University of Gothenburg)

Reference number PAR 2025/309 The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. Doctoral positions in public administration The School of Public Administration is a department within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Gothenburg. We offer education and conduct research in the field of Public Administration. Public Administration is an interdisciplinary field that integrates multiple disciplinary perspectives to study the role and functions of the public sector in society. The school offers education at all levels: undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral. The core of our educational activities is the bachelor's and master's programmes in Public Administration. We also offer standalone courses as well as commissioned education. A commitment to collaboration between the university and society is a driving force behind the School of Public Administration. As of April 2025, the School of Public Administration has approximately 60 co-workers, 15 of whom are doctoral students. Our facilities are located in Campus Haga in central Gothenburg. Public administration as a multidisciplinary field is clearly reflected in the research environment at the School of Public Administration. Our research spans a broad range of questions, theories, and methods. One thematic area is democracy, politics, and administration, with a focus on how political decisions are shaped and implemented within the public sector. Key topics include public officials and their roles, local politics and democracy, politics and administration in multi-level systems, and mechanisms for oversight such as auditing and regulatory supervision. Another thematic area is organization, management, and society. This research focuses on understanding how public administration is organized and on identifying explanations for how public actors, in collaboration with local communities, address major societal challenges. Key topics include collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. A third thematic area is management control, accounting, and auditing. Here, the focus is on the role of accounting and control in public administration in relation to efficiency and accountability. Key topics include principles of control, the role of numbers and quantification in shaping public sector practices, the preparation and use of accounting information, forms of accountability, efficiency challenges, and coordination. The School of Public Administration is seeking qualified and motivated individuals for PhD positions in public administration. We welcome applicants whose research interests align with existing research directions as well as those who bring new perspectives. More information about the institution can be found on our website www.gu.se/forvaltningshogskolan. General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages. https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies Duties A PhD student conducts research and is expected to contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Public Administration. The student is also expected to formulate independent research ideas and to communicate scientific results both orally and in writing. The aim of doctoral education is to provide the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research in Public Administration and to contribute to the development of the field through the completion of a doctoral thesis. Doctoral education in Public Administration also aims to develop the ability to apply acquired scientific knowledge and skills in continued academic research or other qualified professional contexts. The programme comprises four years of full-time study and leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). A person employed as a doctoral student is expected to primarily devote their time to their doctoral studies. Institutional duties – that is, work involving teaching, research, or administration – may occur to a limited extent (up to 20%). Such duties are subject to operational needs and must be deemed appropriate in relation to the student's progress in the programme. Employment is extended by a corresponding period to account for time spent on institutional duties. Eligibility To be eligible for the position, the applicant must meet both general and specific entry requirements. The general entry requirements for third-cycle (PhD) studies if he/she has obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.39): a degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent),at least 240 higher education (university) credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, orlargely equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways in Sweden or abroad.According to the Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.40, and the General Syllabus for Third-Cycle Studies in Public Administration, an applicant meets the specific entry requirements if he/she has a degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent), in Public Administration (or fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education (university) credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, ora degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent) in another social science field that includes a master thesis (or equivalent) with a focus on Public Administration, orlargely equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways in Sweden or abroad.At the School of Public Administration, applicants who have completed the required coursework at the second-cycle level, including a master’s thesis with a focus on public administration, are considered eligible even if the degree has not yet been formally awarded. This is based on the assessment that such applicants possess, in all essential respects, the equivalent knowledge that a completed degree entails. To meet the eligibility requirements, all courses and examinations must be completed no later than 8 June. If necessary, certificates confirming a passing grade on the master’s thesis may be submitted after the application deadline. Assessment criteria Selection among applicants who meet the general and specific eligibility requirements will be based on their ability to successfully complete doctoral education, as well as on the availability of appropriate supervisory resources at the department. The following will serve as the basis for this assessment: A project proposal outlining the applicant’s research interests and planned dissertation topic. The proposal should demonstrate familiarity with previous and current research as well as the ability to formulate scholarly problems. The text may be a maximum of 2,000 words excluding references (approximately 4–5 pages).A letter of applicationthat describes:the motivation for applying to the programme,how the applicant intends to actively contribute to the research environment at the School of Public Administration in Gothenburg, andwhether, and if so how, the applicant’s research interests relate to current research at the School of Public Administration.A master’s thesis and/or other relevant academic work. Submitted work will be assessed according to established academic quality criteria, with consideration given to the formulation of research problem, theoretical grounding, methodological awareness, analytical ability, and quality of presentation.Curriculum vitae and certified transcripts of records.Other qualifications and certificates referred to by the applicant will also be considered in the assessment, such as the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, letters of recommendation, and merits in areas relevant to research in Public Administration.Applicants may at a later stage be asked to submit letters of recommendation and/or provide references who can attest to their suitability for doctoral studies. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, and the decision on admission is made by the Head of Department. As part of the selection process, interviews or other assessment activities may be conducted to evaluate the applicants’ qualifications. Decisions on admission cannot be appealed. Admission and employment Employment form: Temporary employment, 4 years full-time studies Extent: 100% Location: School of Public Administration, Gothenburg Start date: 1 September 2025 (or as agreed upon) After admission to postgraduate level education, you will be employed as a PhD student. The regulations for employment as a PhD student can be found in the Swedish Code of Statutes 1993:100. The initial employment as a PhD student may not exceed one year. The employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. A person may be employed as a PhD student for a total of eight years. The total employment period may not be longer than what corresponds to research level education on a full-time basis for four years. The university applies a local agreement on salary for PhD students Please note, doctoral studies at the School of Public Administration require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the School of Public Administration has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies. Contact information Pierre Donatella Director of Doctoral Studies, School of Public Administration Email: pierre.donatella@gu.se Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande Application You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Applications must be received by: 2025-06-09 Information for International Applicants Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/   The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

Reference number PAR 2025/309
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Doctoral positions in public administration
The School of Public Administration is a department within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Gothenburg. We offer education and conduct research in the field of Public Administration. Public Administration is an interdisciplinary field that integrates multiple disciplinary perspectives to study the role and functions of the public sector in society. The school offers education at all levels: undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral. The core of our educational activities is the bachelor's and master's programmes in Public Administration. We also offer standalone courses as well as commissioned education. A commitment to collaboration between the university and society is a driving force behind the School of Public Administration.
As of April 2025, the School of Public Administration has approximately 60 co-workers, 15 of whom are doctoral students. Our facilities are located in Campus Haga in central Gothenburg.

Public administration as a multidisciplinary field is clearly reflected in the research environment at the School of Public Administration. Our research spans a broad range of questions, theories, and methods. One thematic area is democracy, politics, and administration, with a focus on how political decisions are shaped and implemented within the public sector. Key topics include public officials and their roles, local politics and democracy, politics and administration in multi-level systems, and mechanisms for oversight such as auditing and regulatory supervision. Another thematic area is organization, management, and society. This research focuses on understanding how public administration is organized and on identifying explanations for how public actors, in collaboration with local communities, address major societal challenges. Key topics include collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. A third thematic area is management control, accounting, and auditing. Here, the focus is on the role of accounting and control in public administration in relation to efficiency and accountability. Key topics include principles of control, the role of numbers and quantification in shaping public sector practices, the preparation and use of accounting information, forms of accountability, efficiency challenges, and coordination.
The School of Public Administration is seeking qualified and motivated individuals for PhD positions in public administration. We welcome applicants whose research interests align with existing research directions as well as those who bring new perspectives.
More information about the institution can be found on our website www.gu.se/forvaltningshogskolan.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.
https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties

A PhD student conducts research and is expected to contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Public Administration. The student is also expected to formulate independent research ideas and to communicate scientific results both orally and in writing.
The aim of doctoral education is to provide the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research in Public Administration and to contribute to the development of the field through the completion of a doctoral thesis.
Doctoral education in Public Administration also aims to develop the ability to apply acquired scientific knowledge and skills in continued academic research or other qualified professional contexts.

The programme comprises four years of full-time study and leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
A person employed as a doctoral student is expected to primarily devote their time to their doctoral studies. Institutional duties – that is, work involving teaching, research, or administration – may occur to a limited extent (up to 20%). Such duties are subject to operational needs and must be deemed appropriate in relation to the student's progress in the programme. Employment is extended by a corresponding period to account for time spent on institutional duties.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position, the applicant must meet both general and specific entry requirements.

The general entry requirements for third-cycle (PhD) studies if he/she has obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.39):
a degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent),at least 240 higher education (university) credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, orlargely equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways in Sweden or abroad.According to the Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.40, and the General Syllabus for Third-Cycle Studies in Public Administration, an applicant meets the specific entry requirements if he/she has
a degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent), in Public Administration (or fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education (university) credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, ora degree at the second-cycle level (MA level, or equivalent) in another social science field that includes a master thesis (or equivalent) with a focus on Public Administration, orlargely equivalent knowledge acquired in other ways in Sweden or abroad.At the School of Public Administration, applicants who have completed the required coursework at the second-cycle level, including a master’s thesis with a focus on public administration, are considered eligible even if the degree has not yet been formally awarded. This is based on the assessment that such applicants possess, in all essential respects, the equivalent knowledge that a completed degree entails.
To meet the eligibility requirements, all courses and examinations must be completed no later than 8 June. If necessary, certificates confirming a passing grade on the master’s thesis may be submitted after the application deadline.

Assessment criteria

Selection among applicants who meet the general and specific eligibility requirements will be based on their ability to successfully complete doctoral education, as well as on the availability of appropriate supervisory resources at the department.
The following will serve as the basis for this assessment:
A project proposal outlining the applicant’s research interests and planned dissertation topic. The proposal should demonstrate familiarity with previous and current research as well as the ability to formulate scholarly problems. The text may be a maximum of 2,000 words excluding references (approximately 4–5 pages).A letter of applicationthat describes:the motivation for applying to the programme,how the applicant intends to actively contribute to the research environment at the School of Public Administration in Gothenburg, andwhether, and if so how, the applicant’s research interests relate to current research at the School of Public Administration.A master’s thesis and/or other relevant academic work. Submitted work will be assessed according to established academic quality criteria, with consideration given to the formulation of research problem, theoretical grounding, methodological awareness, analytical ability, and quality of presentation.Curriculum vitae and certified transcripts of records.Other qualifications and certificates referred to by the applicant will also be considered in the assessment, such as the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, letters of recommendation, and merits in areas relevant to research in Public Administration.Applicants may at a later stage be asked to submit letters of recommendation and/or provide references who can attest to their suitability for doctoral studies.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee, and the decision on admission is made by the Head of Department. As part of the selection process, interviews or other assessment activities may be conducted to evaluate the applicants’ qualifications. Decisions on admission cannot be appealed.

Admission and employment

Employment form: Temporary employment, 4 years full-time studies
Extent: 100%
Location: School of Public Administration, Gothenburg
Start date: 1 September 2025 (or as agreed upon)
After admission to postgraduate level education, you will be employed as a PhD student. The regulations for employment as a PhD student can be found in the Swedish Code of Statutes 1993:100. The initial employment as a PhD student may not exceed one year. The employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. A person may be employed as a PhD student for a total of eight years. The total employment period may not be longer than what corresponds to research level education on a full-time basis for four years.
The university applies a local agreement on salary for PhD students
Please note, doctoral studies at the School of Public Administration require physical presence to conduct the studies. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the School of Public Administration has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Contact information

Pierre Donatella
Director of Doctoral Studies, School of Public Administration
Email: pierre.donatella@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application

You can apply to be admitted to doctoral education via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per this notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

Applications must be received by: 2025-06-09 Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/
 
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

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