PhD students in War Studies

War Studies is a social science whose central object of study is war and the use of force. The discipline contains research on how military capability is created, led, organized, maintained over time and comes into effect in operations, in wars, conflicts and crises. War Studies also includes social and ethical aspects as well as critical perspectives in relation to war and warfare. The discipline has both a general theoretical and knowledge-based dimension, as well as a practical and applied dimension linked primarily to the education of officers. The Swedish Defence University is the only university in Sweden where the discipline is taught. Learn more about War Studies here.

The Swedish Defense University invites applications for several fully funded PhD positions in War Studies. Learn more about the doctoral program in War Studies here.

Duties

The PhD programme consists of four years of full-time studies (240 ECTS credits). The central task is to write a doctoral thesis in War Studies under supervision (180 ECTS credits), but coursework (60 ECTS credits) is also part of the programme. The positions are fully funded throughout the four years. The positions may include teaching and other departmental duties up to 20% of full time, resulting in the extension of the employment period for a corresponding length of time (to a maximum of five years in total). Learn more about the doctoral education in War Studies here.

For 2025 we invite applications for PhD student positions: one or more positions in War Studies without specialization, and one position in War Studies with specialization in cyber warfare and cyber defence. 

For the PhD student positions without specialization, the applicant can freely chose a research area within War Studies. 

For the PhD student position with specialization in cyber warfare and cyber defence the position includes social scientific research within the research area of cyber warfare and cyber defence broadly understood. It can, for example, include questions about cyber operations, information operations, propaganda etc as a means in war and warfare, as well as questions about the consequences of digitalization for defence and security. 

Indicate in your primary choice in the application.  

Qualifications

Entry requirements for doctoral programmes (third-cycle) require both general and specific eligibility. 

The general entry requirements for doctoral programmes (third-cycle) are a Master’s degree (second-cycle), completed courses equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits must be at the postgraduate level (second-cycle), or otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

The specific entry requirements for admission to doctoral studies in War Studies at SEDU are the completion of course requirements of 90 ECTS credits in the social sciences (or equivalent), and at least 30 ECTS credits in War Studies or closely related subject, such as International Relations, Peace and Conflict Research, Security Studies or Political Science. In addition, qualified applicants must master English in speech and writing. 

Assessment Criteria

Selection among applicants who meet the entry requirements will be made with regard to their ability to benefit from the doctoral program and will be based on the following assessment criteria: 

• The scientific quality of previous work and the project plan, in regard to independence, methodological clarity and theoretical awareness, analytical ability, critical approach and the ability to communicate clearly. 
• The quality and relevance of previous post graduate education (second cycle), the relevance of the thesis subject, as well as other qualifications relevant for the position. 

The selection is based on a balanced assessment of the above. As basis for the assessment of the scientific quality of previous work, one or more independently authored academic theses or equivalent are required, in Swedish, English, Danish or Norwegian, or in translation to either of these languages. 

To have completed a professional military education is a merit.

Application

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. Read more about the admission process and the documentation needed for the application here.

Mark your application with reference number Ö 339/2024. 

Completed applications must be received by the Swedish Defence University no later than midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time) on the closing date.

Only complete applications will be considered. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete and in accordance with what is stated in the advert. Applications must be submitted in English, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. Documents submitted in other languages must be accompanied by an authorised translation. The applicant may be invited to interviews in autumn 2024 with the aim of making a decision on employment and admission to the doctoral programme in good time before the spring semester 2025. 

About the position

The position as a doctoral student is full-time. The employment is fixed-term and regulated according to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5. The doctoral position is located at the Department of War Studies (IKV), and will be filled from January 2025.

Civilian doctoral students are paid according to a locally agreed salary scale, where the starting salary is currently SEK 27,700/month. According to special regulations in the local collective agreement, professional officers are paid the same basic salary as they have in the Swedish Armed Forces or at the Swedish Defence University.

The doctoral student's salary then increases in accordance with the Swedish Defence University's doctoral ladder. 

In addition to the salary, the doctoral student can allocate a sum for travel, literature and other expenses relevant to the programme. This sum amounts to a maximum of SEK 30,000 per year.

The Swedish Defence University strives for equality and diversity in all professional groups. We welcome applicants from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In the current employment category, the majority of employees are men, which is why we welcome women as applicants. For us, it goes without saying that we have an inclusive working environment and that our employees can combine work with active parenthood. We welcome applications from military officers!

Employment at the school may involve a security clearance according to the Security Protection Act (2018:55).

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 school's wartime organization, negotiations will take place between the relevant authority and the school regarding your placement

We welcome applications from both Swedish and international candidates. 

Information

Further information about the position is available from:

• Professor Annick Wibben, annick.wibben@fhs.se
• Director of Studies Kersti Larsdotter, kersti.larsdotter@fhs.se

Welcome with your application no later than the 26th of August 2024.