Doctoral position in History of Ideas and Science

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. The Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion is one of the six departments of the Faculty of Humanities. It has about 100 employees (including about 20 doctoral students) and approximately 1,000 students. For more information about the Department, please see: https://www.gu.se/litteratur-idehistoria-religion. The Department announces two positions as doctoral students in Religious Studies. The call is open for relevant projects within all research areas in Religious Studies at the University of Gothenburg: History of Religion, Systematic Theology, Social Sciences of Religion, History of Christianity, Biblical Studies and Didactics of Religion. Research within Religious Studies at our Department comprises studies of the function of religion, its transformation and interpretation in history and today, and analysis of religious practices, texts, and arguments. Religious Studies provides insights into historical and contemporary processes, religious encounters and conflicts, analysis and interpretation of texts and ideas, as well as theological and ethical positions and debates. These skills are increasingly relevant to the multireligious and multicultural society of our times. On current research areas and projects, please see: https://www.gu.se/en/literature-history-of-ideas-religion/religious-studies-and-theology.   Job assignments​ The goal of the third-cycle study programme is a doctoral degree in Religious Studies. The programme includes coursework, with each course being examined as it is completed, and the doctoral student’s own research project, which leads to a scholarly thesis. During the study programme, the doctoral student will communicate research findings in both oral and written form. The goal of the programme is for the doctoral student to develop the knowledge and skills to be able to conduct original and independent research in Religious Studies, and to contribute to the development of knowledge within the discipline through the production of a scholarly thesis. Another aim is to develop the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and skills within post-degree research or other qualified professional work. Doctoral students must be physically present at the department and actively interact in the research environment, including the department’s doctoral and research seminars. The working language of the Department is Swedish, while some activities and research seminars may be conducted in English. Admittance requires sufficient knowledge of Swedish and English to be able to benefit from compulsory course components and to participate actively in seminars and the like (on eligibility, see below). The University offers introductory courses in Swedish on an as-needed basis. The dissertation may be written in English or Swedish, alternatively in Norwegian or Danish.   General syllabus​ The objectives, content, and examination of the study programme as well as admission and selection for the third-cycle study programme in Religious Studies are described in the general syllabus: https://www.gu.se/en/humanities/doctoral-studies/general-syllabus-for-third-cycle-study-programmes The doctoral degree in Religious Studies can be named either Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Theology.   Eligibility​ To be eligible for the position, the applicant must meet both general and specific entry requirements. According to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 7 Section 39, applicants meet the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if they: • have been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or • have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or • have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. To be admitted to doctoral education in Religious Studies, in addition to general entry requirements, the following is required: • at least 30 higher education credits (30 ECTS) in Religious Studies awarded in the second cycle, of which at least 15 credits must be from a degree project, or equivalent knowledge, and • sufficient Swedish and English skills to be able to benefit from compulsory course components and to participate actively in seminars and similar activities.   Assessment​ Selection among applicants who meet the requirements for general and specific eligibility is based on the ability to successfully complete the education at the doctoral level. Assessment of the applications is done according to the criteria determined in the general syllabus (se also “How to apply” below). Recruitment and selection are also done in view of the research project’s potential to enter into productive dialogue with the ongoing research at the department, as well as the department’s supervision resources to support it.   Appointment procedure​ The decision on admission is made by the Head of Department after preparation at the Department.  The appointment procedure involves two stages: • A shortlist is made based on material included in the application.  • The shortlisted candidates will be called to an interview on November 16 and 17, 2026 (online). The interview process will involve an oral presentation of the applicant’s project proposal. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for researchers to pursue studies in Sweden, the admitting department has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.   Employment​ Regulations for employment of doctoral students are given in SFS 1993:100. Only those who are admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to doctoral positions. Those appointed to doctoral positions will primarily devote themselves to their studies. The initial appointment may apply for no longer than one year. An appointment may be renewed for no more than two years at a time. The total employment period may not exceed the time corresponding to full-time studies for four years. The position may include departmental duties, such as teaching or administration, corresponding to up to 20% of a full-time post over the course of study. If such tasks are carried out, the duration of the appointment will be extended accordingly. Type of employment: 4 years Extent: 100 % Location: The Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion, University of Gothenburg First day of employment: 2027-02-01 Salaries for doctoral students are regulated by a local agreement at the University.   Contact information for the post ​ Questions regarding the third-cycle education: Gunilla Hermansson, Associate Head of Department for Doctoral Studies, gunilla.hermansson@lir.gu.se Jong Ho, HR officer, jong.ho@gu.se   Unions ​ Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives   Application ​ In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. Please enclose the following documents and information with the application: • A personal letter in which you explain why you are applying to the position and reflect on the progress which you consider can be traced in your degree projects. If it is evident from the certificates that it took you a very long time to complete the degree projects, you may wish to comment on this fact. This text may not exceed 3,000 characters (including blank spaces), and it may be written in Swedish or English. • A CV containing contact information, education, work experience, publications (if any), references, and other relevant records. • Degree projects (from second cycle) that meet the specific entry requirements. If relevant, other essays and/or publications that substantiate the eligibility or strengthen the qualifications for the position should also be submitted. You may submit up to five texts in addition to the degree projects. All submitted texts will be assessed primarily based on the following criteria: originality and scholarly relevance, difficulty of the topic addressed, and precision in the use of methods and the overall presentation of the work. • A research plan for your intended thesis project. This description should identify and reason about the purpose, material and research questions of the project, how it relates to previous research, and which theories and methods that may become relevant. The draft may include a preliminary outline or list of different phases and components of the thesis project, as well as a general timetable for the project. The research plan will be assessed based on the following criteria: originality, scholarly relevance and rigor, and feasibility. The plan also serves as basis for assessing the Department’s supervision resources to support the project. The draft must not exceed 20,000 characters (including blank spaces, notes and references). • Degree certificates and/or a certificate of enrolment from Ladok, or equivalent system, specifying your completed coursework. The certificates must demonstrate that you meet the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies as well as the specific entry requirements specified in the programme syllabus. In case the certificates do not prove this in an obvious way, you must add a motivation that explains how you have obtained qualifications that are equivalent to the general and specific requirements. If the certificates are in another language than Swedish, Danish, Norwegian or English, a professional translation must be added to the application. Grades are assessed based on the following criteria: breadth of education, demonstrated ability to complete courses within given time frames and qualitative progression. Incomplete applications will not be assessed. Applications must be received by:​ 2026-08-26 The Department invites to an information meeting, where it will be possible to ask questions, on the 18 June 2026, 12:00-13.00, on Zoom: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/66872890385?pwd=FXVMUCAKdymEaTg0bhCjzSZ8lhLLVz.1 Meeting-ID: 668 7289 0385 Pass code: 214394 The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. 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.

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. About the Department​ At the Department of Applied Information Technology, we conduct critical and interdisciplinary research of the highest quality in an international environment with great relevance to society. We offer popular programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, grounded in research and societal development, providing excellent employment opportunities. Our researchers are at the heart of the debate, contributing to the explanation and problematisation of IT and societal challenges associated with society's digitalisation. Here, people’s knowledge and ability to analyse, understand, and manage various aspects of IT, as well as the interaction between humans and technology, are developed in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, "Twin transition," blockchain, digital governance, digital innovation, e-health, the Internet of Things, mobile communication, robots, social media, and IT in schools and education. About the division of ​CLIC​  The Department of Applied Information Technology at the University of Gothenburg conducts interdisciplinary research on the design, use, and societal implications of digital technologies. Within the Division of Cognition, Learning & IT, Interaction Design, and Communication (CLIC), researchers with expertise in interaction design, human-computer interaction (HCI), cognitive science, and digital media collaborate.  The division offers a dynamic and international research environment with strong connections to societally relevant issues and close collaboration with external actors in the public sector, healthcare, industry, and civil society.  About the Research Centre UGot ReWork​  This position is funded by UGot ReWork, an interdisciplinary research centre at the University of Gothenburg funded by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare (Forte).  UGot ReWork brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to develop knowledge on sustainable return to work, with a particular focus on mental health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders. The centre offers an international and collaborative research environment with high societal relevance. The host department is the Institute of Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy.  Subject area ​ Human-Computer Interaction Subject area description ​ Human-computer interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary research field that studies the design, development, and use of interactive digital systems in relation to human needs, behaviors, and social contexts.  The field encompasses theories, methods, and practices for designing technologies that are usable, meaningful, and relevant in different contexts, with a particular focus on the interplay between humans and technology.  This position focuses on the design and development of digital interventions that support sustainable return to work. The research includes the development and evaluation of interactive systems in close collaboration with users and stakeholders in healthcare and working life contexts.  Job assignments​ We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in human-computer interaction with strong expertise in the design and development of digital systems.  The position is connected to a work package within the UGot ReWork centre, aiming to design, develop, evaluate, and implement digital interventions that support sustainable return to work for individuals on sick leave due to mental health conditions or musculoskeletal disorders.  The work is research-driven and exploratory, where design and development of digital solutions form a central part of the research process. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to translating research ideas and needs from healthcare and workplace contexts into functional digital systems, prototypes, and interventions.  The tasks include:  • Design and development of digital interventions, prototypes, and research systems  • Development of mobile applications, web applications, or other interactive systems  • Development of tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization linked to interventions  • Integration of user needs, user context, clinical perspectives, and research questions in the design process  • Planning and conducting user studies and evaluations of developed solutions  The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with researchers from multiple disciplines, including HCI, information systems, medicine, psychology, sociology, and public health, as well as with external stakeholders in healthcare and other relevant sectors.  The role therefore requires the ability to work interdisciplinarily and to develop technical solutions in dialogue with non-technical stakeholders.  As a postdoctoral researcher, you are also expected to contribute to an active and stimulating research environment, participate in seminars and joint activities, and contribute to external research applications.  The position offers good opportunities to further develop an independent research profile within HCI and digital health.  Eligibility ​ The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.    To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.​ ​ In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.    Assessment criteria ​ To be qualified, the applicant must have:  • A PhD in a relevant field such as HCI, interaction design, informatics, computer science, or equivalent  • Documented experience in designing, developing, and implementing functional digital systems, applications, or research prototypes, demonstrated through previous projects, publications, or code repositories  • Experience in planning and conducting studies or evaluations of digital systems (e.g., user studies or intervention studies)  • Proven ability to work independently as well as in interdisciplinary teams  • Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken  Meritorious qualifications include:  • A focus on digital health, eHealth, or working life research, and experience with digital interventions in healthcare, rehabilitation, or other societal contexts  • Experience in developing mobile and web applications or other interactive systems, including data collection, processing, or visualization  • Experience working in research projects and/or interdisciplinary research environments in collaboration with different stakeholders  • Knowledge of design approaches such as participatory design and user-centered design, as well as user experience work  • Knowledge of Swedish, as the project involves collaboration with Swedish stakeholders and participants  Employment ​ The position is a fixed-term employment of two years 100 %/full time - according to postdoctoral collective agreement - and is placed at the Department of Applied Information Technology.  The start date is 2026-10-01, or as soon as possible thereafter. Selection process ​ The selection, interview and assessment will be undertaken by a local recruiting group.  Interviews may be held continuously. Contact information ​ If you have any questions about the position, please contact Alexandra Weilenmann, alexandra.weilenmann@gu.se Unions ​ Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives Application​  Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.   The application is to be written in English.  The following documents are to be attached:  • CV and personal details, including employment history and academic background  • Certificates and transcripts (copies of degree certificates, etc.)  • A cover letter describing motivation and qualifications for the position  • Copies of up to 5 relevant publications  • A numbered list of publications (mark attached publications with *)  • A link to GitHub (required)  • Two references with contact details  We ask that the CV is maximum 2 pages and the cover letter maximum 1 page. ​ Applications must be received by:​ 2026-08-09.   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/  The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. 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.