Postdoctoral appointment in sociology

Sapere Aude – dare to know – is our motto. Our students and employees develop important knowledge that enrich both the individual and the community. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and openness, with a close connection between people, professional roles, disciplines and research. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. Located in Värmland, a scenic region with a rich cultural life, we are committed to promoting sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider community.
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 18,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher in sociology to join the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Due to the postdoctoral appointment’s nature as a career-development position for junior researchers, we are looking for candidates who have completed their PhD no more than three years before the application deadline.

The position is based in the discipline of Sociology, within the Department of Social and Psychological Studies, a multidisciplinary department that also includes Social Work, Psychology, and Gender Studies. The discipline includes around 20 researchers and teachers engaged in research and education. You will have the opportunity to work closely with colleagues from various disciplines, with excellent conditions for interdisciplinary research collaboration.

The position is part of the interdisciplinary research project “Changing Northern Landscapes: Forestry and Reindeer Husbandry in Sweden”, read more here. The project examines power dynamics in the encounter between the forestry industry and Sámi reindeer herding in northern Sweden. Using interdisciplinary perspectives and Indigenous feminist methods, the project analyses how conflicts and collaboration arise, how gaps between policy and practice are created, and which strategies may promote more sustainable forestry and collaboration on equal terms.

You will work with dedicated colleagues in a creative and international environment that supports professional growth. Welcome to a workplace where you can grow, make a difference and be part of an inclusive university guided by curiosity!

As a postdoctoral fellow, you will primarily dedicate your time to research in the relevant subject area. The project is conducted in collaboration with the project team, but you are expected to work with a high degree of independence in developing, leading and contributing to all parts of the research process.

In this position, you will primarily be responsible for planning, collecting and processing data material, analysing, reporting and disseminating the findings, while ensuring that the work is grounded in the objectives and framework of the project. The work is carried out using a broad spectrum of qualitative methods and supported by critical theory.

You will work together with the project team at Karlstad University, Umeå University, and our research participants and collaboration partners. An important part of the project is to contribute to ensuring that the knowledge generated benefits both Indigenous communities and the majority society. The project is based on close dialogue and collaboration with representatives from the forestry industry and the reindeer husbandry.

The call is an initiative within the research programme Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research, WIFORCE, with the aim of increasing understanding of the processes behind forest growth, survival and biodiversity for the future use and conservation of forests. More information: https://www.slu.se/en/wiforce .

The work aims to generate new knowledge and contribute to the continued development of the scientific field. As a postdoctoral fellow, you are expected to publish your findings in scientific journals and present them at national and international conferences. You will head the work on at least two scientific articles for which you will be the lead author.

In summary, the role combines independent research with active participation in the academic environment, as well as a commitment to making the research relevant and accessible beyond the university, including through popular scientific communication.

The position is full-time and fixed-term for two years. Teaching duties may also be included, but will not constitute more than 20% of full-time.

The position also includes actively contributing to the academic environment, participating in seminars and supporting the development of research projects.

To contribute to a positive work environment and further the department’s activities, we expect you to be a present and active part of the day-to-day operations and workplace community.

To be eligible for the postdoctoral appointment, applicants are required to hold a PhD in sociology, or other related subject, such as human geography, political science, Sámi studies or gender studies with elements of sociological theory, or have equivalent qualifications from abroad. The candidate must have completed the degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

Qualifications obtained earlier may be considered if there are special grounds, such as sick leave, parental leave, clinical service, service as a union representative, military service or similar, or service/assignment of relevance to the appointment. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct and develop high-quality research or artistic activities. For other qualification requirements, refer to Karlstad University’s Appointments Procedure.

The position requires proficiency in Swedish and English, both in speech and writing. Data collection and collaborative work are conducted primarily in Swedish, while both Swedish and English are used in research communication.

In the assessment, special weight will be placed on research expertise and the applicant’s ability to conduct independent and methodologically high-quality research, including documented experience in qualitative methods with a special emphasis on the methodological skills required to conduct advanced interview studies.

Special weight will also be placed on personal qualities; we are seeking a candidate who is outgoing and flexible with the ability to show initiative, work independently and take responsibility for their own work in a structured manner. Strong teamwork skills and the ability to build respectful and constructive relationships within as well as outside Karlstad University will also be given special weight. Considerable weight will be placed on the ability to plan and conduct research within given time frames.

Weight will be placed on experience with collaborative methods and approaches, as well as experience in interdisciplinary collaboration. The following are considered valuable qualifications: knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Sámi studies, experience with Indigenous feminist methodology and ethnographic approaches, as well as documented teaching experience at the university level and completed training in higher education pedagogy.

Fixed-term full-time employment of 2 years. Start date as agreed by both parties

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position and reasons for applying for the position (no more than two pages, approximately 1,000 words)
• CV/list of qualifications, including a list of publications (in multi-authored publications, the role of the applicant must be specified)
• a critical reflection on the applicant’s own research (no more than 1,000 words)
• no more than 3 scientific publications of greatest relevance to the position
• copy of PhD degree or information on when it is expected to be completed
• copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
• an account/certificate of language skills
• a research plan outlining how the applicant intends to contribute their own research within the framework of the project (maximum 2,500 words including references)
• at least two references, of which at least one is a current or former supervisor. Reference letters may also be requested.

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content. Documents that cannot be submitted electronically, such as books or publications, should be sent to:
Karlstad University
HR-administratör
651 88 Karlstad
SWEDEN

Application deadline: 28 April 2026
State the ref. no.: REK 2026/25
We look forward to your application!

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https://kau.varbi.com/se/what:job/jobID:898628/