1 Doctoral candidate in peace and conflict research, with a focus on political violence in democratic countries

The Department of Peace and Conflict Research was established in 1971 to conduct peace research and offer courses in peace and conflict studies. The department hosts a dynamic research milieu and is internationally oriented. Currently approx. 90 persons are employed at the Department and some 1000 students from around the world are enrolled every academic year. For more information, visit our website at www.pcr.uu.se.

 We are seeking to fill:

• One PhD position in peace and conflict research with a focus on political violence in democratic countries. The PhD Candidate will be part of the project “Democratic Unraveling and the Threat of Violence” funded by a Wallenberg Scholar grant and led by Professor Hanne Fjelde. This project studies the relationship between political violence and democratic erosion, focusing on two interrelated questions: i) under what conditions do citizens in advanced democracies support political violence? and ii) how does violence, in turn, perpetuate or restrain processes of democratic erosion? The PhD student is to pursue research on this theme but is free to define and develop their project idea within the parameters of the project and shall submit a project plan on this topic. The description of the Wallenberg project and further information are available upon request from project leader Hanne Fjelde (hanne.fjelde@pcr.uu.se).

Duties
PhD candidates primarily focus on their own doctoral education. A maximum of 20% of the position may involve other administrative and educational responsibilities at the Department.

Requirements
Employment as a PhD candidate requires acceptance into the DPCR’s PhD program, which is decided through an evaluation of the applicant’s ability to successfully complete the program. Information concerning applications, acceptance guidelines, and other related matters may be obtained at the Department’s homepage, https://www.uu.se/en/department/peace-and-conflict-research/study/phd-programme-in-peace-and-conflict-research.

The application
The application should be filed on-line at the web address given below and shall include:

1) a completed application form for doctoral studies 


2) a short personal letter (1-2 pages) 


3) a CV 


4) certified transcripts of academic records 


5) a project plan (3-5 pages, excluding reference list)

6) letters of reference/recommendation (max 2 letters) or a list of references (max 2) who can be contacted

7) writing samples (1-3 samples).

The application should preferably be in English. The application form for doctoral studies is available at the address below, along with detailed instructions for completing the application.

Through reference to the general syllabus for graduate studies, the applicant should first ensure that they meet the requirements for general or special eligibility for studies in the field of peace and conflict research at the post-graduate level. Full information is available here.  

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a: temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment: 100 %. Starting date: 1 September 2025, or as agreed. Pay: The position is fully funded. Local salary rules will apply. Placement: Uppsala.

Further information about the position, please contact
Desirée Nilsson (director of studies, DPCR PhD Program), email: phdprogramme@pcr.uu.se
or project leader Hanne Fjelde (hanne.fjelde@pcr.uu.se).

The deadline for the submission of applications is 7th April 2025. UFV-PA 2025/642.

Use the link below to access the application form.

Link: a_700588-f_81624_ansokan_forskarniva_eng.pdf 

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