Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, is inviting applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in the History of Science and Ideas. The position is based in the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, which brings together expertise in fields such as environmental history, forestry history, Arctic history, and natural resource development. The research environment is dynamic, with a focus on the modern era and European and Swedish history of science and ideas, while maintaining global perspectives.

Research areas include the history of science, medicine, technology, the environment, as well as religious, digital, and media history, and gender research within the history of science and ideas. The department encourages applicants to propose research projects that address historical changes, contexts, and meanings of ideas and knowledge, with flexibility in research focus as long as it aligns with the discipline’s core themes.

Applicants must hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field, with at least 240 credits (including 60 at the Master’s level), and at least 30 credits in history of science and ideas at the second-cycle level, including an independent thesis. Equivalent qualifications from outside Sweden are accepted. Selection is based on academic achievements, research plan quality, references, and interviews. The doctoral program is coordinated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Doctoral College, and students are expected to contribute actively to the research environment.

The position is a full-time, four-year employment with an initial contract of twelve months, extendable up to five years if teaching or administrative duties are undertaken. The starting monthly salary is SEK 30,900, increasing to SEK 35,600. Tuition is covered, and doctoral students may participate in teaching and administration up to 20% of their time. The working language is mainly Swedish, but English is increasingly used.

Applications must include degree certificates, transcripts, CV, references, copies of theses/publications, a motivation letter, and a detailed research plan. The application deadline is March 6, 2026, and applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi. The doctoral studies begin at the start of the autumn semester, August 31, 2026. For more information, visit the official job posting or contact the listed supervisors and coordinators.

Keywords: History of Science, Environmental History, Forestry History, Arctic History, Natural Resource Development, Swedish History, European History, Ideas, Knowledge, Society, Culture.