PhD student in Environmental Science with focus on sustainable development and gender studies - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Ecology and Environmental science (EMG) is, together with Umeå Center for Gender Studies, searching for a PhD student in Environmental Science with focus on sustainable development and gender studies. The employment will start on September 1, 2020 and is based on the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Last day to apply is March 6, 2020.

The Department of Ecology and Environment Sciences (EMG), Umeå University, performs research and research education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has approximately 120 employees of which about 30 are PhD students. For more information about the department, see https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/

The Graduate School of gender studies has since 2001 co-financed PhD students at all of Umeå University’s faculties. A PhD student at the Graduate School of gender studies will take part in a unique and dynamic research environment, in which about 30 PhD students are participating in. For more information on the Graduate School of gender studies, see https://www.umu.se/en/umea-centre-for-gender-studies/doctoral-studies/the-graduate-school-of-gender-studies/

Project description
Sustainability issues have emerged as a key factor for societal development, which is emphasized by the UN’s ambitious global sustainability goals (Sustainable Development Goals, SDG) to be achieved by 2030. Within sustainable development, social, ecological and economic aspects interplay, and in addition to the focus of staying within the planet's ecological boundaries, great importance is given to justice and equitably shared resources. The majority of the challenges we face today are complex and multidisciplinary collaborations are needed to find the best solutions.

The doctoral project will, in a multidisciplinary way, with a particular focus on a gender perspective, investigate further how local communities are affected by natural resource exploitation. For example, we intend to evaluate how different population groups experience and assess the establishment of mines in Sweden and other Arctic areas at different stages (before, during and after establishment, and after the closure), taking into account social, economic and environmental aspects. By using participatory system mapping, the goal is to develop transparent models of complex systems that illustrate both the conditions for different groups in society and decision-making processes, and allow the development of future scenarios.

You, as a doctoral student, will have a great influence over the project's direction, and thus use your creativity and your intellect to develop it further. If you are interested in sustainable development and natural resource exploitation, and have a strong interest in gender issues, then this is the project for you. 

Requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at an advanced level (Master’s level), or have an equivalent education from another country, or equivalent qualifications.

In addition to these general requirements, the successful candidate must have completed 120 ECTS credits in a subject relevant to the project. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization must have been completed, as well as an independent degree thesis with relevant specialization of at least 15 ECTS credits.

We expect the applicant to have an academic background in environmental science, ecology, biology, earth sciences or equivalent. Documented experience of courses in sustainable development is a merit. A merit is also documented knowledge and qualifications with a focus on gender issues/gender studies. Since research is done in collaboration with researchers in different disciplines, good collaboration skills are required. The applicant must have a very good ability to communicate in writing and orally in Swedish and English.

Type of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in research but also taking relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental activities (up to a maximum of 20% time) are typically included as well. Employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Application
The application, written in Swedish or English, should include:

• A cover letter that states your qualifications in relation the requirements for the position, and why you are interested in the position (max. 2 A4 pages)
• A research sketch outlining a proposed focus for the research project outlined above (max. 2 A4 pages)
• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• Where applicable, digital copies of Bachelor and Master thesis, and copies of other relevant publications
• Transcripts and certificates from higher education and academic courses
• Contact information to two suitably qualified persons willing to act as a referee on your behalf

The attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application must be submitted via Umeå University's e-recruitment system at latest March 6, 2020. The evaluation will be based on the cover letter, the research sketch, the quality of degree theses at Bachelor and Master’s level, scientific publications and the interview. To be able to separate candidates with comparable merits we may choose to evaluate the candidate’s performance in a literature essay, carried out after the interview.

Welcome with your application!