Postdoctoral fellow in population studies with a focus on ageing research - ,

Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR)

The Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR) is looking for a Postdoctoral fellow in Population studies with a focus on ageing. The employment period is three years full-time (100%).

CEDAR is a centre at which interdisciplinary research is conducted on demographic changes and ageing at an individual and societal level in a long-term perspective. One central theme relates to the transition from a young to an ageing society and how people’s living conditions are shaped when the population structure is transformed. Other key research issues relate to both contemporary and historical demographic processes, and how the living situation and living conditions for vulnerable groups change over time. There are several large databases at the unit, and most researchers at CEDAR use register data, survey data or longitudinal population data in their research. Research is conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods, although quantitative research does dominate. CEDAR also hosts two of the Swedish Research Council’s national infrastructures, SHARE-Sweden and SwedPop. CEDAR plays an active role in a number of national and international networks, and the research conducted here features a high degree of internationalization. 

Eligibility
In order to be appointed as a postdoctoral fellow, it is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the employment decision. Population Studies is a interdisciplinary research area with links to various subject disciplines such as demographics, sociology, statistics, economics, economic history, human geography and historical demography, and deals with the population’s structure and changes, as well as their impact on individuals and society. 

To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances.

A precondition is that the applicant has not previously been employed as a postdoctoral fellow at Umeå University for more than a year within the same or equivalent discipline.

Assessment criteria
In the assessment of candidates, special importance will primarily be laid to the scientific merits of the candidates and then to the quality and feasibility of the research plan. In assessing the feasibility of the research plan, importance will be laid to how well the research plan fits with the research environment in population studies at CEDAR, and to the degree to which the research competence already available at CEDAR would support this research. Both good writing and oral communication skills in English as well as good ability to work with others, are requirements for this position.

Job description
The Postdoc is expected to conduct independent research in population studies with focus on ageing. In addition to research, part of the job consists in contributing to the research environment by actively participating in the research seminar and other research activities such as grant application. Within the framework of the position, there is the opportunity to perform data analyses and write articles for publication in scientific journals based on existing data in ongoing research projects at CEDAR. Certain administrative tasks related to research activities might occur.

Application
The application must include:

• A brief description of the research interests and the reason for applying for the position (max 2 pages)
• CV and a complete publication list
• List of publications (3-5 most relevant works, the thesis included)
• Copies of the PhD certificate and other relevant degrees
• Names and contact details of two reference persons
• Research plan, which describes the research to be carried out during the postdoctoral position (3-5 pages) and its relevance to CEDAR research

The application must be submitted through the electronic recruitment system Varbi no later than 15^th January, 2024. The application can be written in English or Swedish. Electronic documents need to be in Word or pdf format.

Further information
The Postdoc is a three years’ full-time position (100%) starting on the 1st of March 2024 unless otherwise agreed. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to carry out the work in Umeå and to participate in common activities of CEDAR.

For more information about the employment, contact director of CEDAR, Lena Karlsson  (lena.karlsson@umu.se, 090-786 56 92) or Assistant Director Mojgan Padyab (mojgan.padyab@umu.se, 090-786 62 49).

For information on the department, see:
https://www.umu.se/en/centre-for-demographic-and-ageing-research/

We look forward to receiving your application!