PhD-student in human geography, specializing in economic geography

Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences

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.

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The Department of Geography is to appoint a doctoral student in economic geography contributing to an ongoing research project about the new geography of jobs. The Department of Geography has around 40 employees and conducts extensive research within the field of human geography. Our main research and teaching evolve around topics like spatial planning, economic geography, tourism, resource management and sustainability. For more information about the department, please visit: https://www.umu.se/institutionen-for-geografi/

Description of work

The PhD-project will be part of an ongoing research program on the new geography of jobs in which the aim is to analyse ongoing labour market realignments and how that affects different groups of workers across space. As PhD-student, you will be part of a research group with both senior and junior researchers working on questions like structural change, employment and inter-regional migration with a special focus on challenges in more sparsely populated regions. The project is also connected to the inter-disciplinary research environment CERUM (Center for regional science).

Suggestions on topics for the PhD student could be (but are not exclusive to) regional dynamics of occupational structures and the consequences for different groups of workers, the geography of social and spatial mobility, workforce strategies coping with current labour market realignments and/or plant closures, regional resilience, different actors’ (workers, employers, regions) strategies to sustain work and welfare in more sparsely populated regions.

The position requires active communication of research in both academic and policy circles and participate in common project and departmental activities

About the position

Employment as PhD-student aims to reach a doctoral degree and is normally full-time employment for 4 years starting 2021-02-01 or when mutually agreed. Your salary is determined in accordance to a stipulated scale for PhD positions (currently starting around 28 000 SEK to reach about 35 000 SEK the final year). If departmental duties (e.g., teaching) can be offered that will be a maximum of 20% and the position will be prolonged accordingly. As a PhD student you are expected to work independently with your PhD project as well as collaborate with the research group, participate in seminars and other department activities.

Location for the appointment is Umeå.

Eligibility requirements

Eligible applicants must fulfil the following prerequisites: 240 ECTS-credits of higher education studies of which at least 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), at least 90 credits must be in human geography or related disciplines, and at least 30 credits must be awarded for successful thesis work in human geography or related disciplines.

Other qualifications

Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English and have proven analytical skills of different methods. Previous work with, or experience of, focus-group interviews and/or longitudinal micro-data is particularly meritorious.

If considered eligible the research proposal together with previous academic achievements will primarily be evaluated. Attention will also be given to the applicant’s research skills, specific qualifications, ability to work in a group as well as independently.

Application

A complete application must include:

1. Research proposal presenting your research ideas and how they are contributing to the current literature, including the project’s relation to the research group in economic geography (no more than four pages excluding references).

2. A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)

3. CV

4. Diplomas of bachelor and Master level degrees

5. Bachelor/Master theses work/other relevant publications

6. Other merits of relevance for the position

7. Contact information to two reference persons

Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.

Your application must be registered in Umeå University’s e-recruitment system no later than 2020-12-18.

The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher

Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2§) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

For more information contact Professor Rikard Eriksson (phone +46 (0)90-786 7416, e-mail rikard.eriksson@umu.se) or Head of department, Emma Lundholm, phone +46(0)90-786 7172, e-mail emma.lundholm@umu.se)

We are looking forward to receiving your application!