Postdoctoral Position in History
University of Gothenburg
Reference Number: PAR 2026/414
Institution
The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
The Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion is one of the six departments of the Faculty of Humanities. It has about 100 employees (including about 20 doctoral students) and approximately 1,000 students.
The Department announces two positions as doctoral students in Religious Studies specializing in Studies in Christianity – in History and Contemporary Times. The call is open for relevant projects within all research areas in Religious Studies at the University of Gothenburg, including:
- History of Religion
- Systematic Theology
- Social Sciences of Religion
- History of Christianity
- Biblical Studies
- Didactics of Religion
The positions are announced in cooperation with the Diocese of Gothenburg and are co-financed by the Diocese with the aim of strengthening collaboration between the University and the Diocese.
Job Assignments
The goal of the third-cycle study programme is a doctoral degree in Religious Studies. The programme includes coursework and an independent research project leading to a doctoral thesis.
During the programme, the doctoral student will:
- Complete coursework and examinations.
- Conduct original and independent research.
- Produce and defend a scholarly doctoral thesis.
- Present research findings both orally and in writing.
- Actively participate in the department's research environment, seminars, and doctoral activities.
- Be physically present at the department during the programme.
The working language of the department is Swedish, although some activities and seminars are conducted in English. The dissertation may be written in English, Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish.
General Syllabus
The objectives, content, examination, admission procedures, and selection criteria for the doctoral programme are described in the General Syllabus for Third-Cycle Study Programmes.
The doctoral degree awarded may be either:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Doctor of Theology
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy both the general and specific eligibility requirements.
General Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A second-cycle qualification, or
- At least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or
- Equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad.
Specific Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
- At least 30 ECTS in Religious Studies at second-cycle level.
- At least 15 ECTS from a second-cycle degree project (or equivalent).
- Sufficient knowledge of both Swedish and English to participate actively in courses and seminars.
Selection Process
Selection among eligible applicants is based on their ability to successfully complete doctoral education.
Particular attention will be given to:
- Relevance of the research proposal to the specialization.
- Quality and originality of the proposed project.
- Potential for dialogue with ongoing departmental research.
- Availability of appropriate supervision resources.
Appointment Procedure
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
- Shortlisting based on the submitted application.
- Online interviews on 16–17 November 2026, including an oral presentation of the research proposal.
Applicants requiring a Swedish residence permit must present a valid permit before the programme begins.
Employment
- Employment Type: Doctoral Student
- Duration: 4 years
- Extent: 100%
- Location: Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion, University of Gothenburg
- First Day of Employment: 1 February 2025
- Salaries are regulated by local agreement at the University.
Doctoral students are primarily employed to pursue their studies. The initial appointment may be for up to one year and may subsequently be renewed. Teaching or administrative duties of up to 20% may be included, with a corresponding extension of the employment period.
Contact Information
Academic Enquiries
Gunilla Hermansson
Associate Head of Department for Doctoral Studies
Email: gunilla.hermansson@lir.gu.se
HR Enquiries
Jong Ho
HR Officer
Email: jong.ho@gu.se
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Personal letter (maximum 3,000 characters).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Master's degree project(s) meeting the eligibility requirements.
- Up to five additional academic texts (optional).
- Research plan (maximum 20,000 characters).
- Degree certificates and transcripts demonstrating eligibility.
- Professional translations for documents not written in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English (if applicable).
Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 26 August 2026
- Information Meeting (Zoom): 18 June 2026, 12:00–13:00
- Interview Dates: 16–17 November 2026 (online)
Additional Information
- Salaries are determined individually.
- The University actively promotes diversity and equal opportunities.
- Application documents are archived for two years in accordance with Swedish National Archives regulations.
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