PhD student in Theoretical philosophy

The Department of Philosophy at Stockholm University is the largest in Sweden, with vibrant research groups in a wide range of philosophical disciplines. The department has a strong international profile: we frequently host internationally prominent colloquium speakers and other visitors, and we are involved in numerous international and national networks and research projects. In theoretical philosophy, examples would be the department's Centre for Logic, Language and Mind (CLLAM), the interdisciplinary research program on Knowledge Resistance (funded by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond), the interdisciplinary Centre for Medieval Studies, as well as networks such as PLM, the Nordic Network for Philosophy of Physics, the Scandinavian Logic Society, and the European Society for Ancient Philosophy. Stockholm University has repeatedly selected philosophy as one of its leading research areas.

For more information about us, please visit: the Department of Philosophy.

Subject area

The thesis work will be conducted within theoretical philosophy.  Theoretical philosophy includes epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, logic, philosophy of language, philosophy of science, as well as the history of philosophy. 

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements. These requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

To meet the specific entry requirements, the applicant must have at least 30 ECTS credits in theoretical philosophy at the advanced level (including an MA-thesis). This requirement can also be met by those who have acquired essentially equivalent competence in Sweden or elsewhere.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

Qualifications

1. Education. Assessment of both depth and breadth of previous education.
2. Scientific production.

Based on a BA-thesis, an MA-thesis, or other academic papers, the following criteria are used to assess the applicant’s ability to benefit from the education:

• Critical ability
• Analytical ability
• Language skills
• Creativity
• Independence

Research plan

In the research plan the applicant should provide a short presentation of the research area, a sketch of the dissertation project, as well as a formulation of its main research question(s). The plan will be assessed with respect to:

• Relevance 
• Originality
• Feasibility within given time constraints (i.e. full-time work during a four-year period of doctoral studies)

Ability to collaborate 

The ability of the applicant to be collaborative is determined on the basis of, for instance, personal references, certificates, or interviews.

Read more about admission regulations at the departement of Philosophy's web page.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with teaching, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

Initial employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and subsequently renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Starting date: September 1, 2025, unless otherwise agreed.

Contact

For more information, please contact the Head of Department, Professor Gunnar Björnsson, gbjorn@su.se.

Further information about the PhD program in Theoretical philosophy can be obtained from the Director of Graduate Studies in Theoretical Philosophy, Professor Kathrin Glüer-Pagin, kathrin.gluer@philosophy.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. 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 instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.