Uppsala universitet, Juridiska institutionen

A doctoral student position in Legal History

Beginning on 1 September 2019 or upon agreement.

Research on legal history at the Faculty of Law in Uppsala includes study of the changing legal norms, institutions and views related to other social, cultural and economic factors. Over the past 30 years, the emphasis has been on the period since 1850. The law, the industrial revolution and the emergence of the welfare state are over-arching themes in much of the research conducted. In the light of history and the law, we address various societal issues, such as working life, the welfare state, freedom of expression, constitutional matters, administrative law, intellectual property (IP) law, international organisations, law and religion, legal science, juvenile delinquency and family law.

To describe and understand continuity and change in law and legal systems over time, we draw from a range of theoretical perspectives. Attention is paid to the cross-border and international dimensions of the law. Sweden’s EU membership has internationalised Swedish law, and here a historical, comparative and international perspective is essential. At the same time, competence in Swedish legal history is crucial for contributing to the comparative, international outlook.

Our research is inter- and multidisciplinary and we are connected with networks in other disciplines at Uppsala University, including economic history, political science and sociology. We also have national and international networks related to our research questions. Collaboration with scholars in the Faculty’s other disciplines is another self-evident and vital feature.

The project should focus on Swedish Legal History.

The admitted doctoral student will be fully funded through grants from The Olin Foundation for Legal History, which also includes supplementary funding that makes it possible to take out insurance that provides coverage equal to that of an employed doctoral student. The funding lasts for a net study period of 4 years, but upon agreement, the time may be extended to 5 years via the doctoral student carrying out teaching etc. (20 percent of study time at most). In this case, the doctoral student is employed by the Department of Law for the teaching-related component of the position.

The regulations governing the employment of doctoral candidates and admittance to doctoral studies are found in Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, and Chapter 7, Sections 34-41, of the Higher Education Ordinance, and in the general study plan for doctoral studies at the Faculty of Law, Uppsala University.

In order to be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant is required to meet the following qualifications.

To qualify as applicant with the Faculty of Law, the applicant must either

1) in Sweden, have completed a Master of Laws degree or completed a law programme, or

2) in Sweden or abroad, have acquired knowledge equivalent to the degrees mentioned in 1). In evaluating whether the knowledge is sufficient, consideration must be given to what is required to successfully benefit from the doctoral programme in the specific subject area.

Applicants must have an adequate knowledge of Swedish or English.

The overall purpose of the doctoral studies is to provide future newly qualified doctors of laws with good prospects for a successful career within or outside of higher education. This includes in-depth knowledge of the chosen subject in the field of research, a capacity for independent and critical thinking, proficiency in scientific methods and modes of working, an ability to identify interesting and researchable issues, teaching skills and the ability to express himself or herself well both orally and in writing, an ability to operate in an international context and an ability to understand and deal with ethical issues concerning research.

Admission is based on an evaluation of the applicant’s capacity to successfully complete the doctoral studies. The evaluation is primarily focused on the project description as well as the scientific written material (published or not published). Analytical ability, ability to structure the material and to independently work on the proposed project, and the project’s news value, is paramount. In addition to the written material, other merits, such as grades, diplomas, completed courses etc., may also be of importance in the assessment. Further, the applicant’s capacity to cooperate in different ways, e.g. with teaching colleagues, may be taken into consideration.

The application including the below required attachments is to be electronically submitted.

Project description in Swedish or English (required document)
The project description should include the research question(s) of the proposed research, the relationship between the research topic and the relevant area of research, research already undertaken in this field, a reflection upon material and method, a time plan, and the possible scientific value and contribution of the proposed project. The project description must comprise no more than 35,000 characters including spaces (approximately ten A4-pages).

Popular summary in Swedish or English (required document)
The project summary must include a brief popular summary in Swedish or English, no longer than 2,000 characters including spaces.

CV in Swedish or English (required document)

Grade transcripts (required document) and other certificates in Swedish or English Written scientific work (electronic copy of books, articles, undergraduate essays, manuscripts, etc.)

A statement from a potential supervisor or, alternatively, a letter of recommendation or contact details for at least one reference person (e.g. university teacher or employer)
In order to be admitted, the applicant needs a statement from a professor or an associate professor at the Faculty of Law in Uppsala, stating that he or she is willing to supervise the proposed project. If a statement from a potential supervisor is not attached to the application, the Faculty of Law will, if possible, obtain such a statement for prioritised projects. When the application does not include a statement, a letter of recommendation or contact details for a reference person may be of particular importance.

Application form for admission to doctoral studies (required document)
Please click here: Application for admission to third-cycle studies

Please note that those already admitted to doctoral studies must attach an updated individual study plan to the application as a doctoral student.

Decisions on admissions are made by the Research Committee at the Faculty of Law upon preparation by an evaluation committee specifically set up for this purpose. As part of the admission procedure, interviews may be held with a limited number of applicants. Only applicants who have a potential supervisor at the Faculty of Law by the time of the interview or shortly thereafter, may be offered a position as a doctoral candidate.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Pay: Grant equal to the local guidelines established for setting the salary.

Starting date: 1 September 2019 or according to agreement.

Further information may be obtained from Erik Svensson, Director of Studies, email: research@jur.uu.se, phone: +46 18 471 26 01. 

You are welcome to submit your application, including required documents, no later than 1 March 2019, UFV-PA 2018/4592.

Only complete applications will be taken into consideration.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 1 September 2019 or according to agreement.
Salary Grant equal to the local guidelines established for setting the salary.
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2018/4592
Union representative
  • Per Sundman, Saco-rådet, 018-471 1485
  • Ellena Papaioannou, Seko, 018-471 3315
  • Suzanne Borén Andersson, TCO/ST, 018-471 6251
Published 21.Dec.2018
Last application date 01.Mar.2019 11:59 PM CET

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