Doctoral student in private law with a focus on real estate law

The Department of Law at Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences jointly invite applications for one employed position as doctoral student in private law with a focus on real estate law. The doctoral student will be employed at the Department of Law and enrolled in the doctoral programme at the Department of Law which aims at a doctoral degree in law. The doctoral student will belong to the research environments at both Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and will have supervisors from both institutions.

Please note that the Department of Law is currently also offering at least three employed positions as doctoral student in a general call: https://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs-and-vacancies/job-details?query=777683

Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 3 billion kronor.

Field of Research
In private law, real estate law is the area that includes legislation and other regulations regarding properties (land and water). It is usually divided into general and special real estate law. Research in general real estate law focuses on relationships between contracting parties, such as property owners and tenants or buyers and sellers. It also includes regulations regarding the mediation of properties and other usufructuary rights. Research in special real estate law focuses on relationships between public entities, such as the state and municipalities, and property owners and other rights holders.

Duties
An employed doctoral student must primarily devote his or her time to his or her own doctoral research (4 years full-time). Other duties may be included, such as teaching students, working in teaching teams, and administration (no more than 20% of the position) in which case the position may be extended to a maximum of 5 years. Within this position, the student will teach 50 % at the Department of Law and 50 % at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Rules governing doctoral students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7, in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines, and in the general study plan for doctoral studies at the Department of Law.

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.

Requirements and assessment
In order to be admitted to doctoral studies, the applicant is required to meet the following qualifications. To qualify as an applicant with the Department 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.

Applicants must have adequate knowledge of Swedish or English.

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). Written scientific materials which are not in law will also be meritorious to the extent that it is relevant to the project. Analytical ability, the ability to structure the material and to independently work on the proposed project, and the project’s news value, are paramount. In addition to the written material, other merits, such as grades, diplomas, completed courses, etc., may also be of importance in the assessment. Such qualifications include practical or theoretical experience in the field of real estate law. Further, the applicant’s capacity to cooperate in different ways, e.g. with teaching colleagues, may be taken into consideration. It is a merit with practical or theoretical experience in the field of real estate law.

The application shall include:

• Personal letter (required document)
• CV in Swedish or English (required document)
• Relevant diploma with grade transcripts (required document) and other relevant certificates in Swedish or English
• Project description with time plan 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 should include considerations on the trans-/cross- or multidisciplinary character of the project, i.e. a statement on why, and how, social science perspectives and law perspectives (such as theories and/or methods) will be combined in a coherent scientific 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.
• Written scientific work (electronic copy of books, articles, undergraduate essays, manuscripts, etc.)
• Letter of recommendation and/or references (e.g. a university teacher or employer)
  A statement from a potential supervisor regarding the project should not be submitted, but will be obtained by the department for ranked applications.
• Application forms for admission to doctoral studies, and employment as a doctoral student.

Decisions on admissions to the doctoral programme are made by the Research Committee at the Faculty of Law. As part of the admission procedure, references may be taken and interviews may be held with a limited number of applicants.

Employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Extent of employment 100%.

Salary: according to local agreement for doctoral students.

Starting date: 2025-09-01 or as agreed.

Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position and the doctoral programme please contact: Director of Research Studies Rebecca Söderström, email: rebecca.soderstrom@jur.uu.se phone: +46 073 657 61 32.

Welcome to submit your application, including the required documents, no later than 1 April 2025!

Only complete applications will be taken into consideration. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.

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 the International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.