PhD Position in Sociology

Lund University

Department: Sociology of Law, Lund University
Reference Number: PA2025/3055
Location: Lund, Sweden
Scope: Full-time (100%)
Type of Employment: Temporary position
Number of Positions: 1
Published: 31 October 2025
Application Deadline: 31 January 2026

About Lund University

Founded in 1666, Lund University is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. It has approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff across Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. The university values diverse backgrounds and experiences, and regards gender equality and diversity as a strength.

Project Description

This PhD project investigates how executive by-laws and normative acts, often beyond parliamentary oversight, are used in authoritarian regimes to regulate public life. The research focuses on legal fragmentation, governance mechanisms, and informal hierarchies within Central Asia’s legal systems.

The project is part of the SOCIAL Doctoral Network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe.

More information on the SOCIAL project:

• SOCIAL Project Overview
• DDRN Link

Tasks and Responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will be admitted to doctoral studies in Sociology of Law and employed at Lund University. Your responsibilities include:

• Conducting independent research within the project scope
• Undertaking fieldwork in Central Asia and two mandatory secondments (one academic, one non-academic) abroad
• Participating in training events, workshops, and conferences organized by the SOCIAL Doctoral Network
• Collaborating with international supervisors and peers
• Contributing to departmental activities, including teaching and seminars (up to 20% of working hours)

You will join the Central Asia research environment at the Department of Sociology of Law, led by Rustamjon Urinboyev, who will serve as your principal supervisor. You will receive guidance, resources, and time to develop your individual research aligned with the SOCIAL project’s aims.

Doctoral Programme

• Comprises 240 credits (4 years full-time)
• Concludes with a public defence of the doctoral thesis
• In addition to research, the position may include teaching and administrative duties (max 20% of working time)
• Primary working language: English, with an expectation to acquire basic Swedish during employment

More information: PhD Handbook

General Requirements

• Meet the general and specific entry requirements for third-cycle courses (HF, Chapter 7, Section 35)
• Hold a second-cycle qualification (master’s degree or equivalent) prior to employment
• Equivalent knowledge acquired abroad or in Sweden is acceptable

Specific Requirements

• Advanced degree in Sociology of Law or relevant field
• Must not already hold a doctoral degree or have more than four years of full-time equivalent research experience
• Must not have resided in Sweden for more than 12 months in the last 3 years (Marie Skłodowska-Curie rules)
• Minimum of 240 credits (≥60 at advanced level)
• At least 30 credits in Sociology of Law or related subject at advanced level, including a thesis of ≥15 credits
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Strong motivation, independence, collaboration, and communication skills

Merits

• Knowledge of legal sociology, governance, and authoritarian regimes
• Experience with qualitative research methods and fieldwork
• Strong writing skills and perseverance
• Familiarity with Central Asian legal and political contexts (asset)

What We Offer

• Full-time, fixed-term employment for four years
• Competitive MSCA salary including mobility and family allowances
• Joint supervision and intersectoral placements
• Training in research methods, ethics, Open Science, and transferable skills

Assessment Criteria

• Admission to third-cycle studies required for appointment
• Evaluation based on ability to benefit from the doctoral programme
• Consideration of research plan, previous theses, and publications in Sociology of Law or related fields
• Emphasis on English proficiency, motivation, independence, collaboration, and communication skills

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

1. Cover letter in English (max 1,000 words)
2. Master’s thesis (≥15 credits) and other relevant publications; include a summary in English if written in another language
3. CV demonstrating eligibility for doctoral studies
4. Degree certificates and transcripts in English
5. Research proposal (max 13,000 characters including spaces and references) aligned with the PhD project
   • Guidelines for research plan
6. Names and contact details of two referees
7. Optional: additional supporting documents

Top-ranked candidates will be invited for interviews.

Employment Details

• Full-time (100%)
• Duration: Four years, starting September 2026
• On-site in Lund, Sweden
• Governed by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5

Contacts

• Recruitment process: Johanna Dahlin – johanna.dahlin@sam.lu.se
• Doctoral programme: Ida Nafstad – ida.nafstad@soclaw.lu.se
• SOCIAL Doctoral Networks / PI: Rustamjon Urinboyev – rustamjon.urinboyev@soclaw.lu.se