Postdoctoral Position in Political Science

University of Gothenburg

Specialization: Political Economy and Political Behavior
Reference number: PAR 2025/858

About the University of Gothenburg

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, the University is a large and inspiring environment for work and study. Strong research and high-quality academic programmes attract scholars and students from around the world. Through new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

About the Department of Political Science

The Department of Political Science is an open and socially engaged institution located in central Gothenburg. Its research spans elections, democracy, corruption, forms of government, globalization, environmental politics, and European politics. The department is home to major research programs such as:

• Center for Environmental Political Studies (CEPS)
• Quality of Government (QoG)
• Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem)
• Governance and Local Development (GLD)
• Swedish Electoral Research Program

Teaching is offered in both Swedish and English across all levels of study. The department has around 180 employees and approximately 1,400 students.

More information: https://www.gu.se/en/political-science

Position

The Department invites applications for a Doctoral Studentship in Political Science, within the externally funded ECONENGAGE project (ERC Starting Grant), which investigates how national economic improvement shapes citizens’ political engagement and attitudes toward democracy.

General information about doctoral studies at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/doctoral-studies

Duties

The doctoral position is funded by ECONENGAGE, led by Associate Professor Florence So. The project sits at the intersection of political economy and political behavior, with two primary research concerns:

1. How citizens evaluate national economic conditions and relate them to personal economic well-being
2. How national economic improvement influences political engagement and democratic attitudes

Expectations

The admitted doctoral student will:

• Develop an independent research project fitting within ECONENGAGE’s themes
• Contribute to ongoing studies as relevant
• Actively participate in project activities and the department’s research environment
• Write a dissertation aligned with the project’s broader aims

Applicants may propose diverse methodological or thematic approaches. Experience with survey methodology and strong teamwork skills are considered advantageous.

The goal of the doctoral studentship is to train candidates to conduct independent political science research and contribute to disciplinary knowledge.

Study Structure

Doctoral studies:

• Consist of four years of full-time study
• May include up to 20% departmental duties (e.g., teaching), which extend the overall study period

Eligibility

General eligibility

Applicants meet the general requirements if they have:

• A second-cycle (Master’s) degree, or
• Completed 240 credits (including 60 at second-cycle level), or
• Equivalent knowledge obtained in Sweden or abroad

Specific eligibility

According to the Higher Education Ordinance (Ch.7, Sec.40) and the General Syllabus (GU 2024/3687), applicants must have:

• At least 60 higher-education credits in Political Science, OR
• Equivalent qualifications (including second-cycle studies in related social sciences)

The department cannot assess eligibility for individual applicants prior to the deadline.

Assessment Criteria

Selection is based on applicants’ ability to benefit from doctoral studies. The following components form the basis of assessment:

1. Working sample
   • Evaluated for problem formulation, analytical ability, and originality
2. Statement of intended research project (max 2,500 words / ~6 pages)
   • Must show familiarity with existing research and ability to formulate scientific problems
3. Academic transcripts
4. Previous academic and professional merits
5. Interviews
6. Recommendation letters
   • Requested only at a later stage

Admission and Employment

Once admitted, the candidate will be employed as a doctoral student.

Employment terms:

• Governed by ordinance SFS 1993:100
• Initial contract: maximum 1 year, renewable for up to two years at a time
• Total employment cannot exceed four years of full-time doctoral education
• Full-time (100%)
• Type of employment: Fixed-term, four years
• Placement: Department of Political Science, Gothenburg
• Start date: 1 September 2026

The University applies a local agreement for doctoral student salaries.

Important:

Doctoral studies require physical presence in Gothenburg.
Admission may be revoked if a required residence permit is not secured before the start date.

Selection Process

• Applications are reviewed by an admission committee chaired by the Director of PhD Studies
• The Head of Department makes the final admission decision
• Decisions are announced in April
• The decision cannot be appealed

Contact Information

Program Coordination

Kristina Gurok
phdprogram@pol.gu.se
+46 31 786 5855

Assistant Head of Department (PhD Programme)

Johannes Lindvall
johannes.lindvall@gu.se
+46 31 786 1224

Application Instructions

Applications are submitted via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

The application must be in English and must include:

1. Introductory letter (max 1,000 words / ~2 pages), containing four paragraphs:
   • Brief self-presentation
   • Summary of qualifications
   • Presentation of intended research project
   • Why you wish to join the Department and its doctoral programme
2. CV (with publications list, if applicable)
3. One writing sample (Master’s thesis or equivalent; Swedish or English; full translation + original required if translated)
4. Project description (max 2,500 words / ~6 pages, excluding bibliography)
   • Must include abstract
   • Must demonstrate familiarity with prior research
5. Verified academic transcripts
   • Bachelor + Master transcripts required
   • Original + English translation if applicable
   • EU applicants: diploma supplement
6. Recommendation letters
   • Do not include unless specifically requested later

More instructions:
https://www.gu.se/en/political-science/doctoral-studies/open-for-application-doctoral-studentship-positions

Deadline: 29 January 2026