Postdoc with a focus on narrative geopolitics
Statsvetenskapliga institutionen
The Swedish Defence University is an internationally renowned university in the area of defence, crisis management and security. We offer a unique academic environment where military and civilian researchers, teachers and students interact. We educate and train top-level executives, experts, and researchers for the task of analyzing and managing current and future crises, security issues and conflicts. The university educates all military officers in the Swedish armed forces and leads the academic progression of the military profession. We conduct research in the areas of Law with a focus on International and Operational Law, Leadership and Command & Control, Military History, Political Science, Systems Science for Defence and Security and War Studies.
Political science research at the Swedish Defence University analyses how security and insecurity are created, who security is for, and how crises are prevented and handled in Swedish, European, and global contexts. We explore threats, conflicts, decision-making processes, communication processes, identity construction, and ethical dilemmas concerning the state, society, and individual, with a special focus on Sweden and the Nordic countries, the European Union, the United States, Russia, and East Asia.
The aim of our research and education is to contribute a more complex and nuanced understanding of the world. Our researchers regularly share their expertise in national and international media, advising policymakers, participating in commissioned training, and informing the public on current issues.
Research in political science at the Swedish Defence University can be divided into two overarching themes - security studies and crisis management - and several specialisations, which organise researchers as well as doctoral students.
Description
The postdoctoral position is part of the interdisciplinary research environment on narrative geopolitics, established with funding from the Swedish Armed Forces. The role involves interdisciplinary research focused on narrative geopolitics, specifically how widespread and emotionally charged narratives influence international security, great power relations, and geostrategic rivalry.
Duties
The postdoc is expected to contribute to this research agenda through a strong foundation in relevant theoretical, methodological, and empirical skills. The duties also include personal development and the dissemination of research results at conferences and in publications. Additionally, the position entails up to 20 percent teaching. The work is conducted in close collaboration with other researchers in the department, as well as within the framework of international networks. Commissioned research is included.
Eligibility
By the date of entry, the applicant must have completed a PhD dissertation in a social science subject of high relevance to the position. The applicant’s research must be judged as in line with and able to contribute to the department’s research in the field. Applicants who have completed their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline are primarily considered.
Merits:
- Documented scientific proficiency in political science (or related disciplines) and theoretical, methodological, and empirical knowledge of relevance to this call.
- A track record of independent and collaborative research work.
- Good communication skills including fluency in English in both reading and writing.
About the position
This is a temporary full-time position for maximum of three years (set up as two plus one year depending on funding). Starting date as soon as possible, according to agreement.
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 organisation, 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 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 88/2025.
Further information about the position:
- Professor Eva-Karin Gardell (Head of Department), eva-karin.gardell@fhs.se
- Professor Linus Hagström (Project Leader), linus.hagstrom@fhs.se
- Mr. Christoffer Svensson (HR partner), christoffer.svensson@fhs.se
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100% |
| City | Stockholm |
| County | Stockholms län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | HR 88/2025 |
| Union representative |
|
| Published | 23.May.2025 |
| Last application date | 31.Aug.2025 |