Doctoral student in sociology, in the research project “Determinants of social trust among adolescents” - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

This PhD position is linked to the research Project "Determinants of social trust among adolescents”, co-funded by the Crafoord Foundation (grant number 20190862) and led by associate professor (docent) Jan Mewes. While ever more recent studies suggest that social trust, the belief that most other people, including strangers, can be trusted, is very stable during adulthood, we know surprisingly little about the factors that shape individuals’ social trust during adolescence and early adulthood. Using a broad range of already existing quantitative data longitudinal and comparative survey studies, the research project will provide valuable answers to the question as to how social capital can be sustained and promoted. Do not hesitate to contact the project’s principal investigator Jan Mewes (jan.mewes@soc.lu.se) for more information.

Duties
Within the research project “The determinants of social trust among adolescents”, the appointed PhD student is expected to analyze a range of quantitative data from time-series, longitudinal and comparative survey data.

The PhD program consists of 240 credits (equivalent to four years of full-time studies) and is concluded with the public defense of a doctoral thesis. The appointed doctoral students will receive a salary from the University during four years, and their primary obligation is to complete their PhD studies. The position may involve departmental duties, mainly in the form of teaching, up to 20 per cent of full-time working hours, in which case the appointment will be extended by the equivalent number of hours. The terms of employment for doctoral students are regulated in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (HF), Chapter 5, Sections 1– 7.

The doctoral student shall be present and actively participate in the research and teaching environment at the department. The main language of the PhD program is English. However, non-Swedish speaking students are expected to acquire basic skills in Swedish during the period of employment. There are opportunities to participate in language courses taught at the University.

The doctoral studentship will commence on 1 September 2019 or later. The general syllabus and other information about the PhD program in Sociology is available at: http://www.soc.lu.se/en/research/research-studies/handbook

Eligibility/admission requirements
The requirements for admission to third cycle courses and study programs (in accordance with HF, Chapter 7, Section 35) are that the applicant (1) meets the general and specific entry requirements that the higher education institution may have laid down, and (2) is considered in other respects to have the ability required to benefit from the course or study program (Swedish Code of Statutes 2010:1064).

A person meets the general entry requirements for third cycle courses and study programs if he or she:
• has been awarded a second cycle qualification,
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

In addition to the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed at least 30 second cycle credits within the main field of sociology, or acquired the equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad. The applicant must also have completed a Master’s degree project of at least 15 credits in Sociology or other discipline deemed equivalent.

Assessment criteria
Only applicants who are eligible for third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Admission is primarily to be based on the applicant’s ability to benefit from the third cycle program.

The applicants will be ranked based on an overall assessment of the quality and originality of their submitted papers and research plan, and their personal suitability. As third cycle studies in Sociology are very demanding, the applicant must be highly motivated and able to work independently under time constraints. Good collaboration and communication skills are also required, as is proficiency in both written and spoken English.

For this PhD position, specific weight is applied to documented experience in analyzing and interpreting quantitative data. Good working knowledge of Swedish is a merit but not necessary.
Interviews will be conducted with a shortlisted number of applicants during the final stages of the admission process.

Application procedure
Applications are to be submitted electronically via the Lund University application portal. The application must include:
• A cover letter in Swedish or English of max 2500 words, including 1) a brief presentation of yourself and your qualifications, and as well as a brief explanation of why you are interested in third cycle studies at the Department of Sociology at Lund University, 2) a presentation regarding your interest in and your skills and training in relation to the research project “Determinants of social trust among adolescents”, and 3) a short research plan in Swedish or English that describes how you plan to conduct your PhD studies within the frame of the research project. All plans must follow the instructions available here: http://www.soc.lu.se/en/sites/soc.lu.se.en/files/template-research-plan.pdf. Please note that a plan not following these formal requirements means that the application will not be assessed.
• A CV in Swedish or English that demonstrated your qualifications for the third cycle program in Sociology.
• Degree and grade certificates in Swedish or English.
• Degree project (master thesis or similar) or projects in Swedish or English corresponding to at least 30 credits in Sociology or other discipline deemed equivalent.
• Name and contact information of two personal references.
• Other documentation of relevance to the position.