PhD Studies in Sociology with a Specialization in Social Gerontology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Uppsala University welcomes applications for one doctoral student position in sociology with a specialization in social gerontology, i.e. social scientific studies focusing on older people, aging and/or eldercare. The Department seeks to appoint one candidate with excellent academic merits who can demonstrate his or her potential for research in the area that this call concerns, i.e. social gerontology.

Doctoral studies in sociology constitute four years of full-time study leading to a doctoral degree. The studies will be grounded in an international, scientific context. The responsibilities as a doctoral student also include taking courses to gain in-depth knowledge of the subject and to develop theoretical and methodological skills. The purpose of the doctoral program is to provide advanced knowledge in sociology and to educate independent and critical researchers with broad theoretical knowledge in the field of social sciences and methodological skills. The studies will be carried out in close cooperation with supervisors and in a research environment with frequent seminars.

For further information on the Ph.D. program see: https://www.soc.uu.se/education/doctoral-program/doctoral-studies/

The Department of Sociology offers opportunities for developing research as part of the established research groups https://www.soc.uu.se/research/research-groups/

Requirements

To be admitted to the Ph.D. program in sociology, basic as well as specific qualifications are required.

• To meet the basic qualifications applicants must have a degree at an advanced level (i.e. Masters level), or be able to demonstrate some equivalent and equal form of knowledge.
• The specific qualification requires an applicant to have at least 90 credits in sociology, social psychology or to demonstrate equivalent and equal knowledge in order to be considered eligible.

To be accepted for the position the applicant must:

1. have the capacity to finish the doctoral program;
2. have an excellent command of written and spoken English;
3. have the capabilities and suitability to successfully undertake the doctoral program, in being able to work both independently and effectively within a group and emphasis will be placed on personal suitability during the selection process.

Admission
An evaluation of the applicant’s capacity to successfully finish the program is of crucial importance for the admission. The evaluation is primarily based on the academic record as documented in the texts and the research plan submitted by the applicant. Additionally, relevant experience, references, personal suitability, the applicant’s written motivation for applying for the position and interviews will also factor into the evaluation.

The application must include:

1. Application form:http://uadm.uu.se/digitalAssets/81/81624_ansokan_forskarniva_eng.pdf
2. A longer personal letter describing the applicant's background, motivation for applying and suitability for the position (max 1000 words excluding any references to relevant literature). The letter should also contain information on the applicant's competence to carry out the project.
3. An attested copy of relevant degree(s);
4. Attested extract showing grades for completed courses;
5. Documents proving professional experience of research activities, where applicable;
6. Research plan (see below);
7. Copies of texts that illustrate the candidate’s scholarly abilities (theses, articles etc.);
8. The names of two referees who we can approach regarding the candidate’s academic and personal abilities.

Note that the authenticity of the submitted certificates must be attested by at least two persons whose contact details must also be provided. 

Research plan:
A short research plan of about 2000 words (excluding references) describing the sociological topic of the proposed doctoral thesis should be included in the application. The plan should briefly review previous research, formulate a research problem and aim, and present the potential theoretical perspectives and methodological approach to be adopted. The applicants will be ranked based on the quality of the research plan and the materials that they submit with their applications. The research plan is used not only to test applicants’ capacity to structure a research project (in relation to sociological theory and existing research as well as decide on appropriate methods to answer the research questions that the plan poses), but also to get an idea of the applicant’s research interest.

For more information about the research plan, see the document: https://soc.uu.se/digitalAssets/499/c_499166-l_1-k_appendix-2b-research-proposal-guidelines.pdf

Individual interviews with the highest ranked applicants may be used as well. Therefore, the candidates should be available for interview, either in person or via ZOOM, on Monday, May 13th 2024, 09:00-15:00.

Employment Conditions
Successful candidates will be awarded employment as doctoral candidates for a full period of four years. The employment starts 2024-09-01 or as otherwise agreed, and is placed in Uppsala. The scope of the employment is 100% and salary will be paid according with the guidelines of Uppsala University.

The employed doctoral students must primarily devote their time to their own dissertation research. Other departmental duties may also be included in the position, such as, teaching or administrative tasks, but at no more than 20%. The duration of employment will be extended for a period corresponding to the time spent on departmental duties.

Contact the following for further information
Professor of Sociology and Chair in Social Gerontology Sandra Torres Sandra.torres@uu.se, Director of Doctoral Studies, Associate Professor Reza Azarian studierektorsoc-fu@soc.uu.se or the Head of Department, Professor Hannah Bradby, prefekt-soc@uu.se.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 19 April 2024, UFV-PA 2024/362

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.