Umeå University, Humanistisk fakultet

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Faculty of Arts at Umeå University develops the Humanities and invests in future Areas of Excellence. The Faculty particularly advances research within Digital Humanities and Global Challenges.p

The Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies invites applications for the doctoral training program in History of Science and Ideas.

The Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies conducts teaching and research in Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Philosophy, History, History and Education, History of Science and Ideas, Religious Studies and Theology, and Science, Technology and Environment.

Research Environment
Courses and degrees in History of Science and Ideas are offered at basic, advanced and PhD levels. Over the years, the discipline has developed excellent research on several thematic topics, such as history of everyday life; history of science and technology; environmental history; history of medicine and health; history of religious thought; and gender history. This research also targets the Faculty of Arts’ efforts to strengthen digital humanities and research on global social and environmental challenges. Research in History of Science and Ideas connected to digital humanities includes historical studies of digital phenomena, use and development of digitised sources, and use of digital methods for historical analysis. Research in History of Science and Ideas connected to global social and environmental challenges imply research that takes such a challenge as a point of departure and that aims at producing knowledge of importance for understanding and dealing with it. History of Science and Ideas in Umeå is a dynamic discipline that strives to foster cooperation beyond established knowledge and disciplinary boundaries. Our research seminar in History and History of Science and Ideas is a significant meeting place for us. Another important venue, especially for digital studies and culture, is the faculty’s humanities laboratory HUMlab. More information about the research environment is available on the individual researcher’s website.

Qualifications

General requirements
To be admitted to studies at the third-cycle level, the applicant must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements. General requirements: a Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field, having completed course requirements worth at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or in some other way – either in Sweden or abroad – having acquired equivalent knowledge.

Specific requirements
In order to meet the specific eligibility requirements for admission to studies in history of science and ideas at third-cycle level, the applicant must have completed at least 30 credits at second-cycle level, with an independent project worth at least 15 credits. Students who have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, either within Sweden or abroad, may be admitted for third-cycle studies after assessment.

See General Syllabus.

Assessment criteria
Applicants are ranked with reference to their capacity to benefit from and complete the program. The assessment is based primarily on prior study results, with particular consideration given to essays, and the quality of the research plan and its relevance for the subject area. The assessment is also based on references and interviews, and possibly additional evaluations of the main candidates.

Terms of employment
PhD students will mainly devote themselves to their own education at third-cycle level. Employment as a PhD student will be for the time deemed necessary for the completion of research studies at a normal rate of study, which corresponds to a full-time position for four years. An initial contract of 12 months is extended with up to two years at a time provided that the individual study plan is followed. A PhD student may to a limited extent also work with teaching and administration up to a maximum of 20 percent of full-time. The period of employment may thus be extended up to a maximum of five years. The entry level salary is 26 500 SEK and rises in three steps to 31 000 SEK.

Additional information
PhD students are affiliated with the Faculty of Arts Doctoral College, coordinated with the PhD training program at the relevant department. The PhD studies begin at the start of the autumn semester, 3 September 2018. The place of work is Umeå University. The PhD students are expected to actively contribute to the research environment.

According to The Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12 §2, a decision of appointment for a PhD student position may not be appealed.

Application
An application should contain:

  • A transcript from the Ladok student registry, and/or equivalent attested copies of your academic transcripts proving that general and specific requirements are met
  • Curriculum vitae, including name and contact information of two reference persons
  • Copies of relevant BA and MA theses and other relevant publications
  • Research plan – must not exceed 30 000 characters including spaces – that contains: purpose and research problem, previous research, implementation: that is, method, material and theory, relevance and time plan
  • A letter that states your motivation for undertaking research training leading to a PhD, and that specifies what expertise at the Department is needed for carrying out your research. Indicate if you intend to align your project with the profile area The Digital Humanities and/or Global Challenges.

Your application must be registered in Umeå University’s e-recruitment system no later than 9 March 2018.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-09-03
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-75-18
Contact
  • Christer Nordlund, Professor, +46 90-786 97 33, Christer.Nordlund@umu.se
  • Peter Lindström, Director of Doctoral Studies, +46 90-786 62 31, Peter.Lindstrom@umu.se
  • Jonas Nilsson, Head of Department, +46 90-786 99 90, Jonas.Nilsson@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 09.Feb.2018
Last application date 09.Mar.2018 11:59 PM CET

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