The Department of Sociology announces a PhD position in Digital Sociology

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PhD position in Digital Sociology
Focus of the research

This PhD project is part of the larger research project Programmable Politics, which is about how the social transformation towards increased automation, through datafication and algorithms, affects how civil society works and acts. The research to be carried out by the PhD shall be about how civil society actors (e.g., social movements, NGOs, trade unions, activists) relate to automation in relation to their political objectives. The broader project, as a whole, uses different types of data and methods, but the work of the PhD candidate will particularly, even if not exclusively, include interview- and document analysis relating to the strategies and actions of civil society agents both online and offline.

Read more about the project here: Programmable Politics . The PhD candidate will work within the research centre DIGSUM , and together with researchers in digital sociology, and library- and information science.

Requirements and qualifications

The department is host to two PhD programmes, the one in Sociology, and the other in Library and Information Science. We welcome applicants with a background in any of these two disciplines for this position in Digital Sociology.

The research will be conducted in an international and interdisciplinary research environment. The ability to collaborate and contribute to teamwork, and a very good command of the English language, are essential. We encourage applicants that have an openness towards taking part in building the research group more broadly, e.g., through taking on some administrative tasks, as well as engaging in teaching.

For basic eligibility, the applicant should hold an advanced degree, have completed studies equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, at least 60 of which at an advanced level, or in some other manner have acquired skills which are equivalent to this requirement.

Option 1:For applicants with a degree in Sociology

To meet the requirements for individual eligibility, an applicant must have satisfactorily undertaken courses within Sociology equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits and 60 higher education credits at advanced level in Sociology (magister level), or equivalent competence.

Option 2:For applicants with a degree in Library and Information Science

To meet the requirements for individual eligibility, an applicant must have satisfactorily undertaken courses within Library and Information Science equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits and 60 higher education credits at advanced level in Library and Information Science (magister level), or equivalent competence.

Position requirements

The announced position entails full-time employment as a doctoral student with the aim of achieving a doctorate. The doctoral student’s main task is to follow the syllabus of the doctoral program, which includes carrying out research within the project, as well as taking doctoral program courses. You are expected to carry out the work on location at the Department of Sociology, Umeå University. Work tasks may also include teaching and other departmental tasks (up to 20%). The position is fully funded for four years at full time, and may be extended by up to one year dependent on extent of departmental work. In a first step, the employment contract is for one year, which is then renewed every 2 years under the condition that the individual study plan is being followed. Salary is paid according to the established wage levels at the University. 

Application

The application should contain the following documents:

• Research plan describing the proposed dissertation project (maximum two pages). The plan should be related to the text in the “research project” section. Contact the project leader simon.lindgren@umu.se with any questions.
• Letter of application including a personal resume and motivation for why you are applying (maximum one page).
• Verified CV including relevant academic degrees and any previous work experience.
• University transcripts with grades.
• Copy of degree certificate.
• Essays or academic publications.
• Any other documents that demonstrate merit.

Starting date­­: Mutually agreed-upon date. 

The application is to be submitted via the e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 221122

The research environment

The Department of Sociology carries out extensive research in a broad range of areas, out of which one is Digital Sociology (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-sociology/research/research-areas/digital-sociology/). The Digital Sociology research group is also part of the interdisciplinary environment provided by DIGSUM (Centre for Digital Social Research) (https://www.umu.se/en/centre-for-digital-social-research/).

The department carries out extensive research and emphasizes a work climate that enhances intellectual development. At present the department employs about 60 persons of which 12 are doctoral students. 

For questions about the position, contact Simon Lindgren (simon.lindgren@umu.se).