One or more doctoral student positions in Education, Educational Work, or Subject Matter Education w

Göteborgs universitet; Göteborgs kommun; Sur place; SEK 25 000 - 35 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The University of Gothenburg is seeking a doctoral student for a four-year position focused on developing national tests in civics and English. The role includes task construction, piloting, and analysis of test data, ensuring equal opportunities across all demographics.

Qualifications include a second-cycle degree or equivalent, with specific requirements based on the subject focus. Proficiency in English and Swedish is mandatory. The expected starting date is 1 October 2026 or by agreement.

Qualifications

• Completion of a second-cycle degree or equivalent.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Independent degree thesis of at least 15 second-cycle credits.

Responsabilités

• Devote time primarily to doctoral education and dissertation.
• Participation in research environment and departmental duties.
• Involvement in test development processes and collaborations.

Connaissances

Experience with the Swedish school system

Scientific writing

National test construction

Proficiency in English

Proficiency in Swedish

Formation

Second-cycle degree or equivalent

Description du poste

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6 800 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.

Department of Education and Special Education (IPS)

The department is one of four departments within the Faculty of Education. Central areas of interest include relationships between education and society, educational systems, school development and leadership, adult education, inclusion, learning, language and assessment, grading issues. A significant part of the department’s undergraduate education takes place within various teacher education programmes; we also offer education at Bachelor’s, Master’s and doctoral levels in subjects such as educational as a science, work life education, educational leadership, communication, school development, didactics and teaching.

Subjects

Doctoral student positions are open in the subjects: Education, Educational Work or Subject Matter Education with specialization. For more information about the subjects see https://www.gu.se/en/learning-leadership-health/doctoral-studies.

Education – focuses on teaching, nurturing, socialisation, formation and learning. Particular interest is the relationship between individuals and society and the conditions of institutional structures.

Educational Work – addresses perspectives and aspects of work within educational institutions. Research covers educational practices, professionals, conditions for teachers and students, and policy relations.

Subject Matter Education with Specialization – focuses on teaching and learning with specific content, school subjects or university disciplines. Concern is the prerequisites and conditions for teaching and learning.

Research Environments

IPS hosts several research environments: FUR, LUBS, PRIS, SKUL, KRIT, POP, FYRK.

• FUR – classical educational questions within individual prerequisites, organisation, resources and outcomes.
• LUBS – learning, teaching and assessment in language; integration into education.
• PRIS – combines special education issues with school development and leadership.
• SKUL – focuses on school development and leadership, teachers and leaders promoting development.
• KRIT – power, subjectivity and resistance within educational institutions; uses critical ethnography.
• POP – political aspects, curriculum theory, comparative education.
• FYRK – vocational education and training.

Doctoral Project

The current focus is the development of national tests in civics (Year 9) and English, and assessment guidelines in modern languages. The position targets the national tests in civics.

The project involves participation in all steps of test development: task construction, piloting, teacher collaboration, analysis and presentation of test data. Collaboration with other social science subjects and the Swedish National Agency for Education is included.

The work may include content‑related and analytical components. Ensuring equal opportunities across gender, background and disability is central. Validity and reliability of the tests are also key.

Duties

The doctoral student will devote time primarily to doctoral education: dissertation component, coursework and seminar presentations. Participation in the research environment and up to 20% departmental duties in teaching, research, commissioned activities and administration are expected. The employment period aligns with the four‑year doctoral study.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants admitted to doctoral education receive a four‑year position. General eligibility: completion of a second‑cycle degree or equivalent. Specific eligibility varies by subject.

Education

1. 90 credits in Education, of which at least 30 are second‑cycle.
2. Independent degree thesis of at least 15 second‑cycle credits.

Educational Work

1. Teaching degree at second‑cycle level, or teaching degree combined with an independent thesis of at least 15 credits.
2. At least 90 credits on educational professional practice or child and youth activities, of which at least 30 are second‑cycle; independent thesis of at least 15 credits.

Subject Matter Education with Specialization

1. Teaching degree with courses corresponding to at least 60 credits in a relevant subject‑matter knowledge area, and an independent thesis of at least 15 second‑cycle credits.
2. At least 90 credits in a relevant subject‑matter area, of which at least 30 are second‑cycle; independent thesis of at least 15 credits.

Equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad may be considered.

Selection Criteria

• Quality of the qualifying degree thesis.
• Quality of the submitted research proposal.

Experience with the Swedish school system, research work (quantitative and qualitative), scientific writing, and national test construction or educational measurement is meritorious. Proficiency in English and Swedish is required.

Admission is competition‑based with overall assessment of application materials; interviews may be conducted. The Head of Department makes the admission decision.

Employment

Fixed‑term employment corresponding to four years of full‑time study. Extent 50‑100 %. Location: Department of Education and Special Education, University of Gothenburg. Starting date: 1 October 2026, or by agreement. Reference number: PAR 2026/522.

Contact Information

Director of Doctoral Studies: Daniel Bergh, [e-mail], 0766‑18 21 09.