Phd In Political Science (at Least Three Positions)

PhD in Political Science (At Least Three Positions)

Uppsala University, Department of Government

The Department of Government at Uppsala University provides a vibrant and internationally successful research environment. With approximately 60 faculty members and 30 PhD-students, we are recognized as one of the leading political science departments in the Nordic region.

Duties The doctoral studies program spans four years and is funded through doctoral employment. Doctoral candidates are expected to pursue their education in the doctoral studies program on a full-time basis and actively participate in departmental activities. Teaching or other duties at the department, equivalent to a maximum of 20 percent, may be assigned. The duration of the employment is extended proportionally.

Requirements For general eligibility, applicants must hold an advanced level graduate degree (Master's degree equivalent or higher), have fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 ECTS points, of which at least 60 ECTS points must have been completed at an advanced level, or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

For special eligibility for admission to the doctoral studies program in political science, the applicant is required to have satisfactory results in courses equivalent to 90 ECTS points in political science or otherwise equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad.

The qualification requirements must be met by August 1, 2026. If the applicant does not meet the qualification requirements at the time of application, any potential notification of admittance will be preliminary until eligibility can be proven. No merits apart from general and special eligibility can be submitted after the deadline. The decision about admission will be based on the documentation that is attached to the application and submitted before the deadline.

We require very good oral and written proficiency in English and/or Swedish. Applicants who have not attended an MA-program where the language of instruction has been English or Swedish have to verify English language proficiency by submitting a certificate of results from internationally recognized language tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS.

A requirement for employment as a doctoral student is that the applicant must have been or will be admitted to the department's doctoral studies program, where the aptitude to successfully complete the PhD program is crucial. Employment of doctoral students and admittance to the doctoral studies program are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance, and by the regulations issued by Uppsala University.

Application The application must contain the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• A brief cover letter (max 500 words) indicating your motives for applying
• A research text, preferably an MA-thesis, authored by the applicant. The research text can be in English or Swedish. If the text is co-authored, it must be accompanied by a co-author statement and complemented by a single-authored secondary research text.
• A self-reflection statement where the strengths and weaknesses of the research text is discussed (max. 1000 words).
• Transcripts of academic records to demonstrate qualification for admission.
• Contact information for two academic references (address, email address, and telephone number).

The application may need to contain the following:

• A secondary research text authored by the applicant. It is mandatory to submit a secondary research text when the applicant's primary research text is co-authored. In other cases, a secondary research sample is voluntary. The secondary research text can be in English or Swedish. If the text is co-authored, it must be accompanied by a co-author statement.
• A co-author statement that should describe the independent research contributions of the applicant and each co-author. The statement should be signed by the co-author(s).
• Certificate of English language written and oral proficiency from internationally recognized test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants that have attended an MA-program where the language of instruction has been English or Swedish do not need to submit test scores.

Please note that it is not permitted to use AI to generate research texts, personal letters, or self-reflections. More detailed information requirements are provided via this link.

About the employment The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, section 7. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 1 September 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at Uppsala University.

For further information about the position, please contact: Director of the PhD-programme, Elin Bjarnegård, elin.bjarnegard@statsvet.uu.se

Please submit your application by January 30, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3673.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden's most exciting workplaces.

The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.