PhD student in Environmental Science, Department of Thematic Studies

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We are looking for a PhD student in Environmental Science to conduct qualitative, social science research on sustainable transitions in Swedish agriculture. The research focuses on how different stakeholders understand and communicate about sustainable financing, and how they collaboratively develop solutions in this area.

Your work assignments

As a PhD student, you will join a skilled, open and welcoming research group at Linköping University. Our researchers come from a range of backgrounds-including the social sciences, natural sciences and engineering-and we value diversity in experiences and perspectives. Together, we develop and apply innovative methods for environmental research, often in collaboration with other universities and a range of societal stakeholders.

The VERIFARM project, funded by Formas, is an interdisciplinary research project addressing the financing of and investment in the agricultural sector's sustainable transformations. The project brings together expertise from the social and natural sciences within the broad field of environmental science, combined with industry knowledge from the banking sector and farmers' professional expertise.

Your work will include investigating how different stakeholders understand, value and use information about the climate and biodiversity impacts of agriculture in relation to financing and investment. You will plan and conduct empirical studies, for example through interviews, focus groups, workshops and other dialogical and participatory methods. You will also carry out analysis as part of a larger interdisciplinary project team, in collaboration with farmers and representatives from the banking sector. The work will involve both collaborative and independent research.

The specific focus of your doctoral research will be developed within the overarching research questions of the project and in dialogue with the project team. The research questions, empirical material and methodological choices of your thesis will also be partly shaped by the knowledge, expertise and experience that you, as a PhD student, bring to the project. Depending on your background, your research may, for example, focus on sustainability reporting and ESG, financing and investment decisions, dialogue and collaboration between different stakeholders, or how environmental and sustainability information is generated, communicated and used in practice. Across these areas, the common focus is on how knowledge and dialogue can contribute to effective financing solutions for the agricultural sector's climate transition and the promotion of biodiversity.

You will write scientific articles, present results at conferences, and participate in research education. As a PhD student you work on your thesis in the associated research project. Additional assignments such as teaching or other department tasks may be included up to a maximum of 20%.

Your qualifications

You have completed a degree at an advanced level, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at the advanced level, or otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge. You meet the specific entry requirements if you demonstrate knowledge equivalent to 90 higher education credits (ECTS) in a subject of central importance to the field of Environmental Science. Relevant educational backgrounds for the advertised position include environmental science, environmental communication, business administration, or equivalent.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, curious and able to take responsibility for their own work, while also enjoying collaboration. Good command of both Swedish and English, both spoken and written, is required. As the position involves fieldwork, a valid category B driving licence is an advantage.

The following documented qualifications are required:

Experience in data collection and analysis using qualitative research methods

Knowledge of climate or sustainability transitions

Strong scientific writing skills

The following documented qualifications are considered particularly advantageous:

Experience with dialogical, co-creative and/or participatory methods, particularly focus groups or workshops, involving multiple types of stakeholders

Knowledge of climate and/or sustainability transitions in agriculture

Knowledge of biodiversity

Knowledge of and/or experience with sustainability reporting, ESG, CSRD, corporate responsibility, or sustainability regulations

Knowledge of financing, investment and the banking sector

Experience of collaboration between academia and societal stakeholders

Strong ability to communicate with people in international environments

Selection will be based on independent study projects or reports, certificates of professional experience, academic grades and interviews. In addition, the applicant should submit a preliminary outline of a potential doctoral research project within the framework described above (maximum 1 page). This outline will also form part of the basis for assessment, and applicants who are invited to an interview will be given the opportunity to further develop it.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at https://liu.se/en/research/doctoral-studies

The employment has a duration of normally four years' full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of departmental assignment. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed.

Start date is January 2027/as soon as possible, based on agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than November 2, 2026. Applications after this date wont be taken into consideration.