PhD-student in Sociology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

The Department of Sociology is seeking candidates for a PhD position in sociology focusing on AI, politics, and opinion dynamics, starting January 2026 or by agreement. 

Research project

This PhD project will be carried out as part of the WASP-HS Research Cluster AI, Power and Politics (https://www.umu.se/en/research/projects/ai-power-and-politics/ ). The candidate will analyse how AI-driven technologies reshape opinion dynamics and the public’s trust in media ecosystems. Central to this PhD project is a critical inquiry into how algorithmic systems influence the circulation of information and disinformation across digital platforms, and how such processes affect perceptions of credibility, truth, and democratic legitimacy.

WASP-HS

The PhD position is part of the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS). The vision of WASP-HS is to foster novel interdisciplinary knowledge in the humanities and social sciences about AI and autonomous systems and their impact on human and social development. WASP-HS enables cutting edge research, expertise, and competence building in the humanities and social sciences. For more information about the research and other activities conducted within WASP-HS please visit http://wasp-hs.org/ .

The PhD candidate will take part in the WASP-HS graduate school, which provides foundations, perspectives, and state-of-the-art knowledge in the different disciplines taught by leading researchers in the field. Through an ambitious program with research visits, partner universities, and visiting lecturers, the graduate school actively supports forming a strong multi-disciplinary and international professional network between PhD candidates, researchers and practitioners in the field. It thus provides added value on top of the existing PhD programs at the partner universities, providing unique opportunities for participants.

Requirements and qualifications

To possess basic eligibility, the applicant should hold an advanced degree, have completed studies equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, at least 60 of which at an advanced level, or in some other way have acquired skills which are equivalent to this requirement.

To meet the requirements for individual eligibility, an applicant must have satisfactorily undertaken courses within sociology or any other relevant discipline equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits and 60 higher education credits at the advanced level (magister level), or equivalent competence.

In relation to the research project at hand, having very good skills in discourse analysis, as well as an orientation in digital politics, are key requirements. Since the research will be conducted in an international and interdisciplinary research environment, the ability to collaborate and contribute to teamwork, and a very good command of the English language is important.

More information

The PhD programme is four years. However, the position may also include part-time teaching. If so, the contract for the position is extended, corresponding to the time spent teaching.

Salary is paid according to the established wage intervals for PhD candidates at the University. 

We expect the successful candidate to be present at the workplace in Umeå and to actively participate in the department’s joint activities.

Application

The application should contain the following documents:

• Research plan describing the proposed dissertation project (maximum two pages excluding references). The plan should be related to the AI, Power and Politics research programme.
• Letter of application including a personal resume and motivation for application (maximum one page).
• Verified CV including relevant academic degrees, previous work experience and University transcripts with grades.
• Copy of degree certificate.
• Essays or academic publications.
• Any other document that demonstrates merit.

Starting date is January 2026 or on a mutually agreed upon date. The application is to be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 15 October 2025.

The research environment

The Department of Sociology offers undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral education in both Sociology and Library and Information Science. The department also contributes to several interdisciplinary programmes in collaboration with other departments at the university. It is also home to DIGSUM, the Centre for Digital Social Research.

The department currently has around 65 employees, including 14 doctoral students. Research is conducted in areas such as Sociology of Work, Digital Sociology, Family Sociology, Criminology, Sociology of Knowledge, Information and Science, Racism, Nationalism, Ethnicity and Migration, Social Policy and Welfare Studies, and Sociology of Education. Much of this research is externally funded and carried out both in larger research groups and by individual scholars. Further information about the department’s activities is available on our website: Department of Sociology (umu.se)