PhD Position in Economics

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2-3 PhD students in Economic History

The Department of Economy and Society at the School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg announces 2-3 positions as PhD student located at unit of Economic History. The department conducts education and research within three different subject areas; Economic History, Human Geography, and Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management of Intellectual Asset. The different subjects within the department create possibilities to carry out interdisciplinary education and research.

The Unit for Economic History conducts research and education within the field which includes studies economic and social development in a long-run perspective. The studies concern current topics relating to globalisation, the environment, migration and gender from the perspective of economic history. Classical issues relating to economic growth and distribution are also studied. The unit offers doctoral education as well as single-subject courses on Bachelor´s and Master´s level which gives the possibility to complete a

Bachelor´s and Master´s degree. Several of the courses are included in educational programmes at the University of Gothenburg. For further information please click here.

Job assignments

The PhD student is expected to complete a PhD education in economic history during the period of employment. The main component of this education is to write a doctoral dissertation. Other tasks, including teaching and administrative duties, might be necessary to some extent, and will then render an extension of the PhD education to an equivalent degree.

Eligibility

Entry requirements for third-cycle (doctoral) programmes require both general and specific eligibility.

The general entry requirements for third-cycle (doctoral) programmes are:

1. academic degree at an advanced (Master’s) level, or
2. attainment of at least 240 higher education (HE) credits for courses, of which at least 60 HE credits are awarded in the second cycle, or
3. equivalent training either in Sweden or abroad.

In addition, admission to the third-cycle programme in economic history at the University of Gothenburg also requires:

1. attainment of 90 higher education credits for courses in economic history at any level, or
2. attainment of at least 30 higher education credits for courses in economic history at an advanced (second-cycle) level, or
3. achievement of equivalent training either in Sweden or abroad.

Qualified is the person who masters English in speech and writing.

Asessment

Applicants will be assessed based on the general and specific eligibility requirements and their estimated ability to benefit from the study programme.

At the assessment, documented qualifications from courses completed and theses written will be of particular importance.

Personal suitability is of great importance for this position. The ability to co-operate well is a key quality. You should be able to work independently as well as in a team.

Weight will also be given to recommendations from previous teachers or other persons with an insight into the qualifications of the applicant.

It is finally also of importance that the planned field of research is within fields for which the unit possesses competence to supervise a PhD thesis.

One of the positions require the applicant to work in the research field of business history.

Employment

The position is a temporary position of four years according to the Higher Education Ordinance with an extent of 100 %. The employment is located at the unit of Economic History, the Department of Economy and Society. First day of employment is 2025-09-01 or upon agreement.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctorial level are given in SFS 1993:100.

Only those who are admitted to third-cycle (doctoral) programmes may be employed as PhD student. Departmental work such as education, research or administrative assignments may be relevant.

A new employment is valid for maximum one year. The employment extends with maximum two years at a time. The total employment time cannot extend more than four years of doctoral education on full-time.

The university applies a local agreement regarding setting of wage rates for PhD students.

Appointment procedure

The applications will be evaluated by the research committee at the Unit for Economic History. Selection will be made among eligible applicants based on the information cited in the application, using the assessment criteria described above. Selected applicants will be called to an interview. Applicants are expected to be available for an interview on site or via videolink within two weeks after the last day of application.

For further information regarding the position

Please contact:

Klas Rönnbäck, professor and responsible for PhD education in economic history, +46 31 786 45 20, klas.ronnback@gu.se.

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/unionrepresentatives

Application

Please attach the following in the application:

• Personal letter (1 page)
• Short description (1-2 pages) of the applicant’s goal and vision for the PhD education, and the field of research that the applicant aims to work within
• CV
• Transcript of records of first- and second-cycle studies including courses completed and grades achieved
• Copy of diploma/degree certificate
• Copy of first- and second-cycle theses/degree theses (with a translation of the abstract into English for non-English theses)
• Copy of other scientific works by the applicant that are cited in the application
• Letters of recommendation, if applicable.

Please clearly state your social security number in the application, preferably in the CV and Cover Letter. Candidates without a Swedish social security number only need to state date of birth.

Also clearly state the reference number to the recruitment case. Make sure that any referees also include the reference number in their letter of recommendation.

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application at the last date of application.

Closing date: 2025-05-31

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.