Postdoctoral Students in Sociology (University of Gothenburg)

Reference number: PAR 2026/284 About the University The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 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. Department Overview The Department of Sociology and Work Science has about 120 employees, including academic staff, researchers, doctoral students and administrative personnel. The department conducts research, education and collaboration across a broad range of subjects. Our research spans topics such as: the labor market working life social deviance digitalization emotions gender migration environmental issues social movements governance and organization science and technology welfare We offer courses in sociology, work science, human resource management, criminology, and social psychology. The department also plays a major role in several of the University of Gothenburg's educational programs, particularly in teacher education. In both research and education, we collaborate with partners in the public and private sectors through joint projects and initiatives, including the Centre for Global Human Resource Management (CGHRM). 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 The Department of Sociology and Work Science is seeking a doctoral candidate to work within the existing project: “Economic Abuse: A Mixed-Methods Study on Prevalence, Patterns, and Possible Prevention.” The project aims to understand how economic abuse is experienced, defined, and managed in Sweden, with a focus on parents and young adults. It also aims to contribute to the theoretical development of interdisciplinary violence studies. The doctoral candidate will have some opportunity to develop their own research questions within the framework of the project, based on the collected material. The project is carried out through two sub-studies: a quantitative study on prevalence and consequences a qualitative study based on focus group interviews The doctoral candidate will work on both sub-studies together with the project leaders, supervisors, and other project members who have expertise in these areas. The project requires very good knowledge of the Swedish language, as it involves the collection, coding, and analysis of Swedish-language surveys and interviews. Good proficiency in English is also required, as parts of the results will be reported in peer-reviewed English-language journals. The aim of the doctoral position is to enable the student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct independent research in sociology and to contribute to the development of knowledge within the discipline through the production of a scholarly thesis. The position also aims to develop the student’s ability to apply these competencies in post-doctoral research or other professional work. Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. Eligibility General Eligibility Requirements Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject. The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are: having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad Specific Entry Requirements A Master’s degree in sociology, or acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. Assessment Criteria The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies. Applicants must submit the following documents: Academic works (max two): Assessed on ability to formulate research problem, theoretical grounding, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and academic presentation. Project proposal (max 2000 words): Assessed on scientific relevance, research questions, familiarity with literature, and feasibility. It is an advantage if submitted works are thematically or methodologically linked to the project. Additional expectations: Strong motivation and ability to work independently Ability to meet deadlines Good cooperation and communication skills Good command of Swedish and English (CEFR B2) Letters of recommendation will not be considered, but references may be included. Admission and Employment Once admitted, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. Initial employment: up to one year, renewable Maximum duration: 8 years (equivalent to 4 years full-time study) Up to 20% departmental duties (with extension of employment) The position is expected to start early September 2026 and is located at the Department of Sociology and Work Science. The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students. Doctoral studies require physical presence. If a residence permit is required and not obtained before the start, admission may be revoked. Selection Process Top-ranked candidates will be invited to an interview. Contact Information Professor Sofia Strid – Project information sofia.strid@gu.se Bertil Rolandsson – Program coordinator Anna Karin Wiberg – HR officer anna-karin.wiberg@gu.se +46 31 786 3156 Union representatives: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives Application Apply via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete and submitted before the deadline. Application Deadline Applications must be received by: 14 May, 2026 Information for International Applicants https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ Additional Notes The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions and values diversity. Salaries are set individually. Application documents are archived for two years after the appointment is filled, in accordance with Swedish regulations. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Socioloxy

Reference number: PAR 2026/284

About the University

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 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.

Department Overview

The Department of Sociology and Work Science has about 120 employees, including academic staff, researchers, doctoral students and administrative personnel. The department conducts research, education and collaboration across a broad range of subjects.

Our research spans topics such as:

the labor market
working life
social deviance
digitalization
emotions
gender
migration
environmental issues
social movements
governance and organization
science and technology
welfare

We offer courses in sociology, work science, human resource management, criminology, and social psychology. The department also plays a major role in several of the University of Gothenburg's educational programs, particularly in teacher education.

In both research and education, we collaborate with partners in the public and private sectors through joint projects and initiatives, including the Centre for Global Human Resource Management (CGHRM).

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

The Department of Sociology and Work Science is seeking a doctoral candidate to work within the existing project:
“Economic Abuse: A Mixed-Methods Study on Prevalence, Patterns, and Possible Prevention.”

The project aims to understand how economic abuse is experienced, defined, and managed in Sweden, with a focus on parents and young adults. It also aims to contribute to the theoretical development of interdisciplinary violence studies.

The doctoral candidate will have some opportunity to develop their own research questions within the framework of the project, based on the collected material.

The project is carried out through two sub-studies:

a quantitative study on prevalence and consequences
a qualitative study based on focus group interviews

The doctoral candidate will work on both sub-studies together with the project leaders, supervisors, and other project members who have expertise in these areas.

The project requires very good knowledge of the Swedish language, as it involves the collection, coding, and analysis of Swedish-language surveys and interviews. Good proficiency in English is also required, as parts of the results will be reported in peer-reviewed English-language journals.

The aim of the doctoral position is to enable the student to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct independent research in sociology and to contribute to the development of knowledge within the discipline through the production of a scholarly thesis. The position also aims to develop the student’s ability to apply these competencies in post-doctoral research or other professional work.

Doctoral studies comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.

Eligibility

General Eligibility Requirements

Doctoral education requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for doctoral studies are:

having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad

Specific Entry Requirements

A Master’s degree in sociology, or acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

Assessment Criteria

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the doctoral studies.

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Academic works (max two):
Assessed on ability to formulate research problem, theoretical grounding, methodology, analysis, interpretation, and academic presentation.
Project proposal (max 2000 words):
Assessed on scientific relevance, research questions, familiarity with literature, and feasibility.

It is an advantage if submitted works are thematically or methodologically linked to the project.

Additional expectations: