PhD positions in Linguistics with focus on language policy and planning - ,

The Department of Language Studies invites applications for two PhD positions in Linguistics with focus on language policy and planning, one with a specialization on Sami and one with a specialization on Meänkieli.

The Department of Language Studies was formed in 2008 and is now an established center for innovative research across the traditional disciplines of linguistics, Scandinavian languages, modern languages and literatures (English, Finnish, French, German, Russian, Spanish), the Sami languages and cultures, language teaching and learning, and educational work focused on language and learning. 

Specialization of the doctoral studentship

Within the discipline of Linguistics is the research field language policy and planning (LPP), which studies how language policy is formed, implemented and also counteracted, at local, regional and national levels from different perspectives (e.g., both bottom-up and top -down). The advertised PhD positions have a special focus on national minority languages, with one focused on Sami and the other on Meänkieli. You will find more information about the doctoral training program here.

As a PhD student, you formulate your own research plan in Linguistics with focus on language policy and planning and independently develop your dissertation project in consultation with your supervisors. Your supervisors are assigned based on the project's focus. You will have continuous supervision and follow-ups with your supervisors as well as with the Director of Research Studies. You will be a part of the department's research environment where you are expected to contribute through active participation in seminars, research networks, academic gatherings and conferences. You will also take part in other meetings and gatherings at the department, such as workplace meetings and staff days.

As a doctoral student, you will also be part of an interdisciplinary context with affiliation to both your own department and the Arctic Graduate School with a focus on sustainable development. Read more about the Arctic Graduate School at Arcum here.

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 linguistics at the third cycle level, the applicant must have completed at least 120 credits at second-cycle level in a subject of central relevance for the research area; these need to include a 15-credit essay.

See general study plan.

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. As you are expected to organise and develop your own dissertation project, you have to be able to work independently in a structured manner and be deeply committed to the task. The assessment is also based on references and interviews, and possibly additional evaluations of the main candidates. Knowledge in (or about) Sami or Meänkieli is an advantage for the employment.

The Master’s degree (or equivalent) must be completed no later than at the end of the application period.

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 29,000 SEK and rises in three steps to 33,600 SEK. 

Additional information

The PhD studies begin at the start of the autumn semester, 1 September, 2022. Place of work is Umeå University and a high attendance at the department is a requirement. 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 degree certificate, 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.
• 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.
• Research plan – should normally not exceed 30,000 characters including spaces – that contains a description of the proposed project’s:  
  - purpose and research problem 
  - previous research 
  - implementation, that is, method, material and theory 
  - relevance 
  - time plan 

Your application must be registered in Umeå University’s e-recruitment system no later than 8 April 2022.
 
Please note: the Swedish version is the official version of this advertisement. In the case of any differences in information between this and the official version, it is the official version that is the legally correct version of the advertisement for these PhD positions. 

We look forward to receiving your application!