PhD in Sociology of Law – Authoritarian Governance in Central Asia

PhD Position in Sociology of Authoritarian Law – Executive By-Laws & Authoritarian Governance in Central Asia

Project description

This doctoral project investigates how executive by-laws and normative acts—often beyond parliamentary oversight—are used in authoritarian regimes to regulate public life. The research will explore legal fragmentation, governance mechanisms, and informal hierarchies within Central Asia’s legal systems. The project is part of the SOCIAL Doctoral Network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe.

To read more about the SOCIAL project please see: https://www.soclaw.lu.se/en/index.php/article/sociology-law-department-leads-eu55m-eu-funded-research-authoritarian-law-and-legality-central-asia

https://ddrn.dk/18550/

Tasks and responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will be admitted to doctoral studies in sociology of law and employed at Lund University.

You will:

• Conduct independent research within the scope of the project.
• Undertake fieldwork in Central Asia and two mandatory secondments (one academic, one non-academic) abroad.
• Participate in training events, workshops, and conferences organized by the SOCIAL Doctoral Network.
• Collaborate with international supervisors and peers.
• Contribute to departmental activities, including teaching and seminars (up to 20% of working hours).

If selected for the position, you will join the research environment focused on Central Asia at the Department of Sociology of Law, led by Rustamjon Urinboyev who will also serve as your principal supervisor. You will be given sufficient time, guidance, and resources to develop your individual research project, aligned with the overall SOCIAL project's aims.

Doctoral Programme in Sociology of Law

The doctoral programme in sociology of law comprises 240 credits (equivalent to four years of full-time study) and concludes with a public defence of the doctoral thesis. You will primarily engage in doctoral studies and work on your dissertation within the field of 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 the working 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 doctoral programme is available at: https://www.soclaw.lu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies/phd-handbook

General 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.

A person meets the general entry requirements for third cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

has been awarded a second cycle qualification prior to the employment decision,

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.

Specific Requirements

• A completed degree at the advanced level in Sociology of Law or another subject deemed relevant by the employer.
• Doctoral candidates cannot have been awarded a doctoral degree and/or completed more than four years of full-time equivalent research experience.
• In line with the eligibility criteria and on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks programme, doctoral candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (i.e. work, studies) in the hosting country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. For further information on eligibility criteria and on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks in general, please refer to: Doctoral Networks - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.
• A minimum of 240 credits, of which at least 60 must be at the advanced level.
• At least 30 credits in Sociology of Law or a related subject at the advanced level, including a thesis of at least 15 credits.
• 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

• Knowledge of legal sociology, governance, and authoritarian regimes.
• Experience with qualitative research methods and fieldwork.
• Self-motivated, perseverant, and strong writing skills.
• Collaborative and independent working style.
• Knowledge of Central Asian legal and political contexts is an asset.

What we offer

• A full-time, fixed-term employment for four years.
• Competitive MSCA salary including mobility and family allowances.
• Joint supervision and intersectoral placements.
• Comprehensive training in research methods, ethics, Open Science, and transferable skills.

Assessment Criteria

Regulations for employment as a doctoral student can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance. Only those admitted to third-cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral position.

In the recruitment process, primary consideration will be given to the applicant’s ability to benefit from the doctoral programme.

In addition to pursuing their own doctoral studies, the incumbent may be required to perform duties related to education, research, and administration in accordance with specific provisions in the ordinance.

The research plan, as well as previous theses and published material in Sociology of Law or related subjects within social sciences or law, are important documents for assessing this ability.

Excellent ability to express oneself in speech and writing is of great importance.

As doctoral studies in Sociology of Law are highly demanding, the candidate must be strongly motivated and able to work independently under pressure.

Good collaboration and communication skills are also required, as well as strong proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Application

The application must include:

• A cover letter in English (max 1,000 words), including a brief presentation of yourself and your qualifications, as well as a short description of why you are interested in the doctoral programme in Sociology of Law at the Department of Sociology of Law, Lund University.
• A thesis corresponding to at least 15 credits at the advanced level in Sociology of Law or a subject deemed equivalent/relevant, 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 the methodology, theory, results/analysis.
• A CV in English demonstrating eligibility for doctoral studies in Sociology of Law.
• Degree certificates and transcripts in English.
• A research proposal of no more than 13,000 characters (including spaces and references), written in English. Please ensure that your proposed research aligns closely with the focus of the PhD project, Sociology of Authoritarian Law – Executive By-Laws & Governance in Central Asia. General guidelines for preparing a 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. A writing sample (e.g., master’s thesis or published paper) that demonstrates the applicant’s research and writing skills.
• Any other documents the applicant wishes to submit in support of the application.

Applicants will be assessed based on the above criteria, and top-ranked candidates will be invited for an interview.

Employment Type

The position is full-time (100%) for four years, starting in September 2026. You are required to work on-site in Lund, Sweden. Employment is governed by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5.

Additional Information

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

For questions about the doctoral programme in sociology of law, please contact Ida Nafstad at ida.nafstad@soclaw.lu.se.

For questions regarding the SOCIAL Doctoral Networks Programme and PhD project, please contact Dr. Rustamjon Urinboyev at rustamjon.urinboyev@soclaw.lu.se, Principal Investigator of the SOCIAL Doctoral Networks programme.