At least one PHD position at the Sociology of Law Department

Job Description
The PhD programme comprises 240 ECTS credits (equivalent to four years of full-time study) and concludes with a public defence of the PhD thesis. You will primarily focus on your PhD studies and work on your dissertation in Sociology of Law. You will also actively participate in the department’s research environment. In addition to research, the position may include teaching and administrative duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.
The working language is primarily English, but you are expected to acquire basic knowledge of Swedish during the employment period.

More information about the PhD programme is available at:
https://www.soclaw.lu.se/sites/soclaw.lu.se/files/2021-06/ASP_rättssociologi_forskarutbildning_20201126.pdf

Qualifications

Requirements:

• A master’s degree in Sociology of Law or another relevant subject as deemed by the employer.
• A minimum of 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 must be at the advanced level.
• At least 30 ECTS credits in Sociology of Law at an advanced level, or a subject considered equivalent, with at least 15 credits consisting of a thesis.
• Excellent ability to express yourself in spoken and written English.
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently under pressure.
• Good collaboration and communication skills.

Merits:

• Previous theses and publications in Sociology of Law or related fields.
• Experience in teaching, research, or administrative work.
• Self-driven, persistent, and strong writing skills.
• Ability to collaborate, take initiative, work in a structured manner, and think analytically.

Assessment Criteria
Regulations for PhD employment is found in the Higher Education Ordinance. Only those admitted to PhD studies may be appointed to a PhD position.
In recruitment, primary consideration is given to the applicant’s ability to benefit from PhD studies.
In addition to pursuing their own PhD studies, the position holder may be required to perform duties related to education, research, and administration according to specific provisions in the ordinance.
The research plan, previous theses, and published material in Sociology of Law or related subjects in social sciences or law are important documents for assessing this ability.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
As PhD studies in Sociology of Law are demanding, the applicant must be highly motivated and capable of working independently under time pressure.
Strong collaboration and communication skills are also required, as well as proficiency in English in both speech and writing.

Application
The application must include:

• A cover letter in Swedish or English (max 1,000 words) with a brief presentation of yourself, your qualifications, and a short description of your interest in the PhD programme in Sociology of Law at Lund University.
• A thesis equivalent to at least 15 ECTS credits at the advanced level in Sociology of Law or a subject deemed equivalent, and other relevant publications. If the thesis is written in a language other than Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English, a summary of max 1,000 words must be included, outlining method, theory, and results/analysis.
• A CV in Swedish or English showing eligibility for PhD studies in Sociology of Law.
• Degree certificates and transcripts in Swedish or English.
• A brief research plan of max 13,000 characters including spaces and references, in Swedish or English. Instructions for the research plan can be found here:
  https://www.soclaw.lu.se/en/sites/soclaw.lu.se.en/files/ras_phd_research_plan.pdf
• Names and contact details of two referees.

Any other documents you wish to submit in support of your application.Assessment will be based on the above criteria, and top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview.

Terms of Employment
Fixed-term employment, four years according to Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance. The PhD programme comprises 240 ECTS credits (four years of full-time study) and concludes with a public defence of a PhD thesis. The position may include departmental duties, primarily teaching, up to 20% of full-time, which will extend the employment period accordingly.
Terms of employment for PhD candidates are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, Sections 1–7.
General study plan and further information about the PhD programme in Sociology of Law can be found at:
https://www.soclaw.lu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies/phd-handbook

The faculty strives to ensure diversity. Gender equality must always be considered. In cases of equal qualifications, the underrepresented gender within the subject at Lund University shall be prioritized, unless valid reasons suggest otherwise.

Start date: 2026-09-01. You are expected to carry out your work on-site in Lund.

Additional Information
For questions about the recruitment process, contact Johanna Dahlin at johanna.dahlin@sam.lu.se.

For questions about the position, contact Ida Nafstad at ida.nafstad@soclaw.lu.se.