Postdoctoral Fellow in Sociology

The Swedish Institute for Social research (SOFI) is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Stockholm University. The institute is an internationally leading research institute in the field of social policy, welfare, inequality and labour markets and has over 90 employees.

More information about us, please visit: Swedish Institute for Social Research.

Project description

The postdoctoral position is attached to the institute’s Social Policy research unit. Members of the unit study the causes and consequences of social policies at both individual and societal levels. Research is conducted using macro- as well as micro-level approaches, primarily with quantitative data. Macro analyses examine social policy development within and across countries, while micro analyses focus on the impact of social policies on individuals’ living conditions and life courses. The institute hosts the leading source of comparative longitudinal social policy data: the Social Policy Indicators Database (SPIN). In addition, the unit’s researchers use a wide range of data such as administrative registers and international surveys.

Main responsibilities

The postdoctor is expected to work individually as well as together with others in projects linked to the topical foci at the unit. An initial outline of research questions is to be included in the application in the form of a research plan. The plan will be important for assessing the extent to which the proposed research will strengthen, complement and/or argument the ongoing research performed in the unit.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

The applicant must hold a doctoral degree in sociology or a related discipline. It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

The following assessment criteria will be used:

• The quality of earlier research and qualifications;
• The quality of the research plan for the postdoctoral period;
  The research plan (no more than 3 pages) should describe: 
  – what research you wish to carry out during your time at the insitute, 
  – how you intend to carry out this research;
• The relationship between the applicant’s research plan and other research conducted at the unit;
• Skills and experiences of relevance for analyses of quantitative data;
• Ability to cooperate;
• Written and spoken English skills, where the applicant is expected to be fluent.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2026-08-01 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

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

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Tomas Korpi, phone: +46 8 16 31 49, tomas.korpi@sofi.su.se.

Application

Apply for the 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.