Postdoc in Political Science with focus on Crisis Management, Total/civil Defense, public administration, governance, and collaboration

Description

The postdoctoral position is part of the interdisciplinary research environment. Still, it is tied to a three-year project investigating the role of public administration in relation to civil defense and the rebuilding of a national/total defense: Crisis Management, Total/civil Defense, public administration, governance, and collaboration. The position involves interdisciplinary research focused on this theme, and the candidate will have the opportunity to discuss with the project leader to design relevant studies. Prior knowledge and publication in the areas of public administration, crisis management, and civil/total defense are advantageous. Since Sweden is a key country to investigate, either independently or in comparison, it is preferable, though not strictly required, for the candidate to be fluent in Swedish. 

Duties

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to play a vital role in the advancement of the research project by engaging in comprehensive scientific investigations. The design and methodology of these investigations are flexible and can be tailored to address specific research questions, thereby encouraging innovative approaches. A key aspect of this role is the dissemination of the results, which will be aimed at publication in reputable scientific journals, contributing to the global knowledge base in the relevant field. 

This position involves close collaboration with fellow researchers in the department, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and cooperative effort. Moreover, the research will be conducted within the framework of various international networks, which can enhance the project's reach and impact. Additionally, the position includes responsibilities for teaching, which may account for up to 20 percent of the overall workload, thus allowing the researcher to contribute to the educational mission of the institution while also continuing their own academic growth.

Eligibility

For employment as a postdoctoral researcher, the candidate must hold a doctoral degree in political science or any other subject area relevant to the research task, e.g., sociology, war science, public administration. Applicants who have completed their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline are primarily considered.

Merits

• Knowledge and publications in crisis management, public administration, or civil/total defense in Sweden or other countries.
• Excellent communication skills in English. Proficiency in Swedish is considered an asset.

About the position

This is a temporary full-time position for a maximum of three years (set up as two plus one year, depending on funding). The project's starting date is 1 January 2026.

Employment at the Swedish Defence University may involve a security clearance according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). The employment may also involve wartime placement. If you are already placed in a wartime position in your current employment at an authority and your expertise is needed in the Swedish Defence University's wartime organization, negotiations will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding your placement.

Salary and benefits

Swedish Defence University applies individual salary setting.

Information about benefits for employees at the Swedish Defence University can be found here Benefits.

Application

The application should include a CV, PhD-exam, a cover letter and previous academic publications. Applications are submitted via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system by clicking on the link “Log in and apply for the job” on the advertisement page. Mark your application with the reference number HR 118/2025.

Further information about the position

• Professor Eva-Karin Gardell (Head of Department), eva-karin.gardell@fhs.se
• Docent Oscar Larsson (Project Leader), oscar.larsson@fhs.se
• Mr. Christoffer Svensson (HR partner), christoffer.svensson@fhs.se