PhD candidate position, Department of Social and Economic Geography - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Uppsala University, founded in 1477, is Scandinavia’s oldest university and one of the largest. The University is among the foremost research environments in Europe and has extensive library facilities and data resources. It grants around 300 doctoral degrees each year (see www.uu.se). The University is located centrally in lively and historic Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth largest city, and only 68 km north of the capital, Stockholm. The Department of Social and Economic Geography engages in World class research and education within the field of human geography. Today about 50 persons are affiliated with the department. 

Applications are invited for one PhD candidate position in the Department of Social and Economic Geography’s doctoral program in human geography. The position starts on February 1, 2020 and offers full funding for four years. The position is connected to a research Project funded by Forte, the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare.  

The doctoral program is designed as four years of full-time studies. There are two main components of the program: course work (60 credits) and work in connection with the PhD dissertation, including seminars, theoretical work, data collection of different kinds, problem analysis, thesis authorship and supervision by highly qualified researchers (180 credits). Doctoral students are provided with their own workplace, computer, and some research expenses, and have access to excellent research resources and libraries. Doctoral students may be asked to allocate up to 20% of their time to tasks in the department (consisting of administrative and teaching duties).

Qualifications expected: To be considered for admission to postgraduate studies in Human Geography, the applicant must have completed a Master’s degree, equivalent to 240 Swedish university credits (including at least 60 credits at an advanced level) from a recognised university or third level institution. Specific entry requirements for admission to postgraduate studies in Human Geography are the completion of an equivalent to 90 Swedish university credits in Human Geography, or other academic qualifications assessed by the recruitment committee to be of an equivalent level. Excellent oral and written proficiency in Swedish and English is required for the position.

Forte-funded project: The position is tied to a research project on the social integration of highly skilled refugees in Sweden, funded by Forte (2019-01220). The research project, led by Micheline van Riemsdijk, studies refugees who participate in “fast-track” programs that provide mentoring, upskilling and work experience. The project focuses on the workplace experiences of highly skilled refugees and their employers, and the national and local-level policies and initiatives that govern the integration process. These issues will be investigated using interviews, observations, job shadowing, and critical discourse analysis. The research will produce evidence-based recommendations for the inclusion of under-represented groups in the labor market.

Work duties: The topic of the dissertation should fall within the scope of the Forte project. The terms of employment for doctoral students can be found (in Swedish) in Högskoleförordningen 5 Chapter 1-7 §§ and in the University rules http://regler.uu.se/.

Application procedure: A recruitment committee will make an initial selection of applicants through a review of submitted documents and contacts with referees. The selected group of candidates will then be invited to interview with representatives of the department. The interviews will take place on October 23 and 24, 2019. Candidates will be informed of the results of the selection process in November 2019. Criteria for assessing applications are described in a separate document (‘Criteria for assessing applications to the PhD program’, see www.kultgeog.uu.se/education/phd/).

Applications are due on October 8, 2019 and should consist of:

• A completed application form (available at http://uadm.uu.se/digitalAssets/81/81624_ansokan_forskarniva_eng.pdf )
• A cover letter that briefly introduces yourself, explains why you are interested in the Department of Social and Economic Geography at Uppsala University, and how you will contribute to the Forte-funded project.
• Curriculum Vitae/Résumé (including your education and previous work experience)
• A short description (2-3 pages) of your research interests and plans, closely aligned with the Forte-funded project.
• Certified transcript(s) of your academic record/degree(s) to date, including information on courses taken and grades received.
• At least one example of written (academic) work in English, and one in Swedish (e.g. a thesis or seminar paper).
• A description of qualitative methods that you have used in academic research.
• Contact information for two academic references.

For more information, please contact: Associate Professor David Jansson, director of postgraduate studies, phone +46-72-999 91 55; e-mail david.jansson@kultgeog.uu.se and Micheline van Riemsdijk, e-mail: micheline.vanriemsdijk@kultgeog.uu.se

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.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than October 8, 2019, UFV-PA 2019/3062. Use the link below to access the application form.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.