PhD in Sustainability science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS) is an institute hosting research and education to address sustainability challenges with a critical perspective and solutions-based approaches. Our research projects focus on sustainability challenges such as climate change, water conflicts, food security, land use changes and urbanisation, often conducted in international cooperation. LUCSUS strives to catalyse change, on both a local and a global level, for a more sustainable society and future. The educational programmes at LUCSUS include a Master’s programme (LUMES) and a PhD research school.

Sustainability Science PhD programme

The PhD programme in sustainability science consists of 240 credits (equivalent to four years of full- time studies); it concludes with the public defence of a doctoral thesis. The appointed doctoral student will receive a salary from the University for the four years, where their primary obligation is to complete the PhD studies. The PhD position also may involve departmental duties, mainly in the form of teaching of up to 20 per cent of full-time working hours, in which case the position appointment will be extended by the equivalent number of hours. The doctoral student will have access to a work space at LUCSUS. The terms of employment for doctoral students are regulated in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (HF), Chapter 5, Sections 1– 7.

The research project 

The successful candidate will work within LUCSUS’ new, 4-year project, ICARUS – Illuminating power dynamics in cross-scale adaptation for more resilient and just futures, on expanding understanding of cross-scale adaptation through comparative empirical research Skåne, Sweden and East Anglia, United Kingdom. Although the PhD will be involved in the broader research, they will focus on Skåne, Sweden. 

General qualifications

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

A person meets the general entry requirements for third cycle courses and study programmes if (s)he: 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 internationally.

Desired specific qualifications

The main research tasks for the position will be linked closely to the broader project’s objectives (briefly outlined above). The successful candidate will carry out independent and team-based ethnographic and mixed-methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups, workshops, surveys) research on cross-scale adaptation across a range of communities in Skäne, Sweden. There will be some scope to define own interests and priorities within the project’s larger set-up, although the applicant must contribute to the overall aims of the project and expected outputs. The ideal PhD candidate for the position will have the following specific qualifications:

Essential

• A Master’s degree in Sustainability Science, Human/Physical Geography, Human Ecology, Anthropology, Political Science, Sociology or a related field.
• A strong and documented interest in climate change adaptation and climate politics.
• An understanding of climate change science broadly.
• An ability to develop and undertake ethnographic fieldwork with diverse communities.
• An ability to use a range of methods such as interviews, workshops, and surveys.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary, inclusive and international research environment.
• Excellent writing skills in English.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Potential to lead papers and publish in leading academic journals.
• Enthusiasm to contribute to teaching at LUCSUS, and to work with students.
• An affinity or experience with Agenda 2030 and in particular SDG10, 13 and 16.

 Desirable

• Swedish language oral and written skills is highly desirable.
• Ethnographic fieldwork experience.
• Evidence of publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of Swedish climate adaptation policy.

Application procedure

Applications are to be submitted electronically via the Lund University application portal. The application must include:

• A cover letter in English of max. 2000 words. This should contain a brief presentation of yourself, your motivation and qualifications for carrying out PhD research. The letter should also contain a statement on why you would like to work on this specific project, how your qualifications make you suitable for the position.
• A CV in English (2 pages max) that demonstrates your qualifications for the third cycle programme in Sustainability Science (including publications, if relevant)
• A writing example e.g. publication or draft manuscript.
• Degree and grade certificates.
• A copy of your degree thesis/theses, corresponding to at least 30 credits (30 credits Master’s degree thesis, or 15 credits Master’s degree thesis plus 15 credits Bachelor's degree thesis).

• Name and contact information of three professional references (note: letters of reference are not required in the first stage of application).

Interviews will be conducted with a shortlisted number of applicants during the final stages of the admission process.