Postdoctoral Researcher in project on Democracy and Mining in Sweden

Om jobbet

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The School of Global Studies (SGS) is a creative and innovative academic environment for research and education that enables understanding and analysis of societal phenomena in our global world. We seek individuals who are stimulated by working in a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary environment. The department's educational and research activities include global studies, global development studies, global gender studies, human ecology, environmental social science, peace and development studies, international relations, human rights, and social anthropology. We offer education at all levels in both Swedish and English. Approximately 1,000 students study with us, and we have around 140 employees.

The School of global studies is now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to participate in a research project funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation, Democracy and controversy in the green transition. The case of critical mineral extraction in Sweden.

The Research Project

The project investigates how democratic participation can be maintained and strengthened in conflicts surrounding the extraction of critical minerals in Sweden. The green transition's high demand for minerals creates tensions between political and industrial promises of sustainable development and concerns about environmental impacts, indigenous rights, and the long-term livelihoods of local communities. The aim is to deepen the understanding of democratic processes in these contexts and to identify conditions for more inclusive decision-making. Using qualitative methods such as document analysis, interviews with key stakeholders, focus groups, and case studies of ongoing mining projects, the project explores how different interests are articulated, negotiated, and legitimized. The study contributes new knowledge about the conditions for democracy in times of major societal transformation.

The project examines the processes through which the legitimacy of mining is negotiated in political, social, and media contexts and analyzes the consequences for democratic functioning in conflict situations. Through field studies, interviews, and close collaboration with key stakeholders, the project develops practically applicable tools for inclusive decision-making, aiming to support a green transition that does not compromise democratic principles. The project is led by three senior researchers: Associate Professors Rikard Hjorth Warlenius and Jan Bachmann at the University of Gothenburg, and Professor Amanda Machin at the University of Agder in Kristiansand, Norway. The postdoctoral researcher will be a central addition to the research team and contribute to strengthening the project's analytical and methodological width.

Duties

The postdoctoral position is intended to provide early-career researchers with the opportunity to develop as scholars and build qualifications for future academic roles. The primary responsibility is to conduct research. Teaching may be included, but no more than 20% of the position.

The postdoctoral researcher will be employed at the School of Global Studies and be an integrated part of the research team. The work includes collecting, processing, systematizing, and analyzing data, which may involve interviews, focus groups, participant observation, document studies, coding, and discourse analysis. These tasks will be carried out in close collaboration with the senior researchers, with the goal of jointly developing new theoretical and empirical perspectives in the research field. The position also includes both individual and collaborative scientific publishing in international journals, as well as presenting research findings at national and international conferences and seminars. The position is based at the University of Gothenburg, Department of Global Studies, and includes a research stay at the University of Agder in Norway.

Eligibility

Eligibility for teaching positions is regulated in Chapter 4 of the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance and the University of Gothenburg's employment regulations.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral position, the applicant must hold a PhD in a social science or closely related field, no later than the date of the hiring decision. Priority is given to applicants who obtained their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Applicants who obtained their degree earlier may be considered if special circumstances apply.

For more information on eligibility and special circumstances, see the Employment Regulations for Teachers at the University of Gothenburg (GU 2024/1687).

Assessment Criteria

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant social science discipline, such as sociology, political science, development studies, human geography, human ecology, international relations, social anthropology, or environmental social science, no later than the date of the hiring decision. Applicants must have strong skills in qualitative social science methods, such as ethnographic methods and qualitative text analysis. Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Proficiency in Swedish (or another Scandinavian language) is also required.

Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria: (a) empirical and theoretical knowledge in relevant social science fields, (b) documented academic interest in environmental and climate issues, (c) ability and interest in working both independently and in a research team, (d) ability to communicate research findings, including to public actors and civil society, (e) relevant language skills for working with data from Sweden.

The work requires close collaboration, and personal qualities will therefore be considered. We are looking for someone who is analytical, independent, and meticulous, but also has strong collaboration and communication skills. You enjoy working in a research team while also being able to drive your own projects forward, and you have a strong engagement and curiosity for the research field.

Employment

• Type of employment: Fixed-term, 2 years

• Scope: Full-time (100%)

• Location: Department of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg

• Start date: September 1, 2026, or as agreed

The position is a fixed-term employment for 2 years, with the possibility of extension up to three years. It is full-time (100%) and based at the Department of Global Studies. Start date is September 1, 2026, or as agreed.

Recruitment Process

The selection process will likely include interviews, reference checks, and a work sample in English.

Application

Apply for the position via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and submitted by the deadline.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) explaining your motivation for applying

• CV including publication list

• Two personal references (names, contact details, and your relationship to them)

• Copy of PhD diploma (if available)

• PhD thesis in PDF format (if available)

Contact Information for the Position

For questions regarding the position or more information about the research project, please contact Rikard Hjorth Warlenius: rikard.warlenius@gu.se

Questions about the recruitment process can be directed to Elvedina Sikiric Lidström: elvedina.sikiric.lidstrom@gu.se

Read more about the project at SGS or at the MMW foundations webpage.

Trade Unions

Trade union representatives at the University of Gothenburg are found here.

Application Deadline:January 31, 2026

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.