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The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the School of Global Studies, research in Social Anthropology is conducted on a host of themes related to the cultural and social phenomena in today’s globalized world. Topics include climate change, migration, religion, gender, cultural heritage, sustainability and consumption, health and indigenous peoples. Traditionally, extended periods of fieldwork and participatory observation have been hallmarks of the discipline. Its research methods explore how the practices and experiences of people’s everyday lives interplay with overarching social processes.

Job assignments

The purpose of undertaking doctoral studies is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for conducting independent research within Social Anthropology. 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 90 higher education credits in the field of Social Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology or Ethnology.

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 plus 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 earlier research, and his/her familiarity with and handling of methodological and theoretical issues. The application shall include an ethnographic contextualization, aim and research questions, analytical framework, methods and ethical considerations.
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

Lisa Åkesson, Professor, +46 (0) 31-786 5336, lisa.akesson@globalstudies.gu.se