Up to Six PhD Positions in Economics

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 Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg has about 8,000 students and 500 employees. The School brings together research and education in business administration, economics, and law, with an international orientation and close engagement with society. It holds the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). For further information see the School's website.

The Department of Economics has approximately 100 employees and conducts research across a broad range of fields, including labor, environmental, development, health, behavioral, and financial economics. The Department has an international faculty and an active research environment, with regular seminars, workshops, and visiting researchers. More information about the Department is available at www.economics.gu.se

Job assignments

The Department of Economics invites applications for up to six fully funded PhD positions ("doktorandtjänster") in Economics, starting September 1, 2027. The PhD program combines rigorous training in economic theory and empirical methods with independent research under faculty supervision. The program leads to a PhD in Economics and prepares students for research careers in academia and other research-oriented institutions.

During the first two years, PhD students complete core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, followed by field courses. The remaining years are primarily devoted to independent research, thesis writing, and departmental work such as teaching and seminar participation. Throughout the program, doctoral students are actively involved in the Department's research community. They participate in seminars and workshops, present and discuss their own research, and have regular opportunities to interact with faculty, visiting researchers, and fellow doctoral students. PhD students are also encouraged to undertake research visits at universities abroad, providing opportunities to develop international research networks and collaborations.

The positions are fully funded for approximately five years, including time allocated to departmental duties such as teaching.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the requirements for basic and special eligibility outlined below. These requirements are typically met by applicants holding a master's degree in economics or a closely related field, provided that the specific credit requirements below are satisfied.

Basic eligibility: applicants must hold a degree at advanced level; or have completed studies for at least 240 higher education credits of which at least 60 higher education credits were awarded at advanced level; or have equivalent qualifications.

Special eligibility: applicants must have completed at least 90 higher education credits in economics; or have completed at least 30 higher education credits in economics at advanced level; or have equivalent qualifications.

The eligibility requirements must be met by the time of admission. Applicants who expect to meet these requirements by August 2027 are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted through the University of Gothenburg's online recruiting system. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required documents are submitted by the application deadline. The selection of candidates will be based on the qualifications and supporting documentation submitted by the deadline.

Required Application Materials:

All application materials must be submitted in English or a Scandinavian language

1. Personal Statement (1-2 pages): A statement describing the applicant's academic background, research interests, and motivation for pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of Gothenburg.
2. Summary page: A list of submitted documents, personal identity number (if applicable), and the names and contact details of one to three referees (see point 8).
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Education, research/work experience, and other relevant academic qualifications. Applicants may submit English proficiency certificates (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), but these are not required.
4. Degree Certificates: Copies of degree certificates or diplomas.
5. Official Transcripts: Transcripts documenting completed courses and grades.
6. Thesis or Other Research Work: A master's thesis or other academic research papers. Applicants submitting more than one work should indicate which they consider most representative of their research ability.
7. GRE scores are recommended but not required. Applicants who have taken the GRE are encouraged to submit their scores. Institutional code: 6285
8. Letter(s) of recommendation: One to three letters of recommendation, which must be submitted directly by the referees to phdreference@economics.gu.se. Referees must also complete the evaluation form available here. Recommendation letters and evaluation forms must be received by February 1, 2027 (the application deadline). Letters submitted directly by the applicant will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their referees are informed of the submission requirements and deadline.

Assessment

Selection among eligible applicants is based on their academic qualifications, preparation for doctoral studies, and potential to conduct independent research in economics. Applications will be evaluated by the Department of Economics PhD Admissions Committee. The assessment places particular weight on academic performance, especially at the master's level, the quality of submitted research work, and letters of recommendation. Demonstrated strength in mathematics, statistics, econometrics, and advanced courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics is particularly valued.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview as part of the selection process. You do not need to contact any potential supervisor as part of your application. A supervisor will be assigned following admission to the program

Application and admission schedule

The application deadline is February 1, 2027. Shortlisted applicants are expected to be invited to online interviews during February 2027. The first admission offers are expected to be made in March 2027.

Applicants receiving an offer will be informed of the deadline for accepting or declining it.

Applicants who have not received an interview invitation by mid-March should assume that they have not been shortlisted.

Employment

Admitted candidates will be fully funded in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5.

The PhD program is campus-based and requires doctoral students to be physically present at the Department of Economics in Gothenburg. If the admitted applicant needs a residence permit for higher education to pursue studies in Sweden, the department has the right to revoke the admission decision if the applicant cannot present a valid residence permit no later than at the start of the studies.

Further information:

Andreea Mitrut, Professor and Director of PhD Program in Economics, andreea.mitrut@economics.gu.se
Ann-Christin Räätäri Nyström, Doctoral studies Administrator, ann-christin.raatari.nystrom@economics.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit https://www.gu.se/en/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

Closing date: February 1, 2027

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

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.