Postdoctoral Fellow in Sociology

Stockholm University

Institution: Stockholm University – Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI)
Employment: Full-time, temporary
Salary: Individual salary setting
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Reference number: SU FV-0601-26
Application deadline: 13 April 2026
Published: 25 February 2026
Start date: 1 August 2026 or as per agreement

Institute Overview

SOFI is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stockholm University. The institute is internationally leading in social policy, welfare, inequality, and labour markets, employing over 90 staff members.

Project Description

The postdoctoral position is attached to SOFI’s Social Policy research unit, which studies the causes and consequences of social policies at both individual and societal levels. Research uses both macro- and micro-level quantitative data, including:

• Social Policy Indicators Database (SPIN) – leading source of comparative longitudinal social policy data
• Administrative registers
• International surveys

The postdoctoral researcher will work individually and collaboratively on projects aligned with the unit’s research foci. Applicants must provide a research plan outlining initial research questions and methods.

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct research aligned with the unit’s social policy topics
• Develop a research plan (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  • What research you wish to carry out during the postdoc period
  • How you intend to carry out the research
• Collaborate with other researchers in the unit
• Contribute to quantitative data analysis
• Communicate research findings in fluent English

Qualification Requirements

• Swedish doctoral degree or equivalent from another country, completed no later than the employment decision date
• Doctoral degree in sociology or a related discipline

Preferred:

• Degree completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline (exceptions for special circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, union service, defense service, clinical attachment, or relevant assignments)

Assessment Criteria

• Quality of previous research and qualifications
• Quality of the research plan and its alignment with the unit’s ongoing research
• Skills and experience in quantitative data analysis
• Ability to cooperate in a research team
• Written and spoken English fluency

Employment Details

• Full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years
• Possibility of extension under special circumstances
• Start date: 1 August 2026 or as per agreement

Benefits

• Work in an international, dynamic, and creative academic environment
• Favourable working conditions
• Located in Stockholm’s National City Park with good transport links

Contact

Professor Tomas Korpi – +46 8 16 31 49 – tomas.korpi@sofi.su.se

Application Instructions

• Apply via Stockholm University recruitment system
• Attach personal letter, CV, and all requested documents
• Ensure application is complete according to instructions before the deadline

Stockholm University promotes equal opportunities and a discrimination-free workplace

Apply