Associate Researcher to the Department of Political Science, Gothenburg University

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 Sociology and Work Science has approximately 110 employees and conducts extensive research and education in close collaboration with society. The Department hosts internationally recognised research in areas such as social inequalities, work, organisations, and welfare. For more information, see the Department's website. The Department of Sociology and Work Science is now seeking one to two associate researchers to work in the EU Horizon funded REFLECT and VISTA, with a focus on gender, intersectionality, and quantitative methods. REFLECT: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101290292 VISTA: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101286827 Duties ​ The successful candidate(s) will contribute to two EU Horizon funded research projects led by Sofia Strid and Anne Laure Humbert. The REFLECT project examines intersectional gender inequalities among researchers in Europe, and the VISTA project focuses on gender-based violence in organised sport in Europe. The successful candidates will be expected to contribute to one or both of the projects as per operational requirements of the projects. These mixed methods projects address pressing societal challenges related to gender, intersectionality, and inequalities through the use of advanced quantitative (including cross-national survey research), qualitative research (including narrative interviews, focus groups and photovoice) and co-creation methods. They involve collaboration with international partners and aim to generate knowledge with relevance to science, policy and practice. The associate researchers will work within the above projects, predominantly in their quantitative work packages. Duties include contributing to the design and analysis of cross-national surveys, leading on the operational implementation of these surveys by actively managing the fieldwork implementation, as well as the management and analysis of quantitative data. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to collaborate closely with senior researchers and international partners, contribute to joint publications, and take initiative in leading academic outputs within the project framework. The role may also involve contributing to mixed methods research, including the integration and analysis of qualitative data, in collaboration with other team members. Qualifications ​ Selection will be based on an overall assessment of scientific competence, methodological skills, experience, and personal suitability in relation to the duties of the position.  Required qualifications​ For this position the applicant must hold or be close to completing a doctoral degree in social statistics, in sociology or a related discipline, with a strong quantitative component. Highly meritorious qualifications​ • Strong quantitative research and analytical skills • Willingness to learn additional quantitative methods, particularly intersectional multilevel modelling • Experience in survey design and fieldwork implementation • Demonstrated expertise in gender and intersectionality research • Experience using R and/or Stata, and willingness to learn additional relevant software Meritorious qualifications​ • Experience working with cross-national surveys and data • Experience with mixed methods approaches and/or qualitative research • Knowledge of, or interest in gender-based violence and/or inclusive research and innovation Personal skills and qualities​ Professional qualities will be an important part of the assessment. The position requires the ability to collaborate effectively with senior scholars and international research teams, as well as the capacity to work independently, take initiative, and manage tasks in a structured and reliable manner. Strong communication skills are essential. The applicant must have excellent command of English (equivalent to CEFR C2), both written and spoken. Knowledge of Swedish is desirable. Employment ​ The position is a fixed-term appointment for 12 months, full-time (100%) placed at the Department of Sociology and Work Science. The work will mainly be carried out in Sweden. Selection process ​ The selection process may include interviews, presentations and reference checks. Contact information for the post ​ If you have any questions about the position, please contact Anne Laure Humbert , anne.laure.humbert@gu.se and/or Sofia Strid sofia.strid@gu.se. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact human resource officer Anna Karin Wiberg, anna-karin.wiberg@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 ​ To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. 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 must include: 1. A cover letter describing the applicant’s research interests and background, including a preference for VISTA or REFLECT. 2. A complete curriculum vitae, including date of PhD, title of doctoral thesis, names of supervisors, and a full publication list. 3. Three recent publications. 4. Contact details (name, email, telephone number) for two referees. Applications must be received by:​ 2026-08-10. 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. 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.