Peace and Development Research at the University of Gothenburg is a leading site of interdisciplinary enquiry. The research environment consists of ca 50 researchers using a broad range of approaches to investigate various themes in peace and development in different regions of the world. These themes include, but are not limited to, conflicts, security, gender, human rights, global political economy, migration, regional and global governance, and resistance.

Job assignments

The purpose of undertaking doctoral studies is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting independent research within the field of Peace and Development Research. The doctoral studies comprise one year of coursework and three years of research, culminating in the production of a dissertation that makes a significant and original contribution to the research field. The knowledge and skills that are acquired during the studies should be applicable to postdoctoral research or other professional work. The position is salaried and covers four years (full-time equivalent, fixed term), beginning in August 2021. The doctoral candidate may undertake departmental duties corresponding to up to 20% of a full-time position, in which case the duration of the appointment will be extended accordingly. There are no tuition fees.

Eligibility

Applicants must fulfil both general and specific entry requirements.

An applicant meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if they have obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.39):

1. a degree at the second-cycle level,
2. at least 240 Higher Education Credits, of which at least 60 must be at the second-cycle level, or
3. largely equivalent knowledge in other ways in Sweden or abroad.

An applicant meets the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies if they have obtained (Higher Education Ordinance Ch.7, Sec.40) at least 60 higher education credits in the field of international relations, peace and conflict studies or global development studies or another university education of equivalent depth and breadth. Applicants who have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad will also be considered to meet the specific entry requirements.

Assessment

Applicants will be assessed based on the general and specific eligibility requirements and their estimated ability to benefit from the study programme. The assessment places particular focus on:

1. A research proposal (max 2,000 words including references) that describes the applicant's research interests and the planned focus of his/her doctoral thesis. The research plan will be assessed for the applicant’s ability to formulate a research problem in relation to previous research, and his/her familiarity with and handling of methodological and theoretical issues. The research proposal should include information on the research problem; purpose, aims and research questions; theory; research design, methods and data; ethical considerations; and an implementation plan. Use Harvard (author-date) referencing.
2. A Master's thesis, academic papers and/or other relevant works. These will be used to assess the applicant’s ability to formulate and delimit research tasks and analyse and present research results.
3. A CV summarizing relevant work experience, language proficiency and other skills.
4. Grades achieved in undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
5. Interviews will be held with shortlisted applicants.

The applicant’s skills, experience, creativity and excellence in research are also assessed on the basis of the points above.

Decisions on the shortlist will be made latest in April and final decisions in May 2021.

The Head of Department is in charge of all admission decisions at the third-cycle level. This decision cannot be appealed.

For further information regarding the position

Johan Karlsson Schaffer, Associate Professor, j.k.schaffer@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system.

The application must include:

1) A research proposal of maximum 2,000 words.
2) A Master’s thesis and/or any other relevant papers or publications. Submitted texts must be written in Swedish or English. Any translated versions must be accompanied by the original text.
3) A CV.
4) Copies of diplomas and/or academic transcripts verifying that the general and specific entry requirements stated above have been met. Evidence of other relevant qualifications.

No reference letters will be considered.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete. No changes or additions are allowed after the final submission date.

For questions regarding the handling of the application portal or technical problems, please contact rekrytering@gu.se

Closing date: 17 of February 2021

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at the University.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.