PhD in History of Polar Governance at KTH Royal Institute of Technology KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden

The KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Built Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in the history of polar governance. This opportunity is part of the National Institute of Polar Research School (SEAL) and focuses on the history and geopolitics of governance in the polar regions, with a particular emphasis on Antarctica, non-Western perspectives, bi-polar commonalities, and the use of languages other than English. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, integrating history of environment, technology, and science, and offers opportunities for field courses and stakeholder engagement.

The successful candidate will join a world-class training environment that spans natural sciences, technology, law, and humanities, with a strong emphasis on science diplomacy and stakeholder interaction. The position is supervised by Kati Lindström and is based at KTH in Stockholm. The contract is full-time, temporary, and renewable annually for up to four years, with a monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement. The start date is August 1, 2026, or as agreed.

Applicants must hold a master's degree (or equivalent) with at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 second-cycle credits, and demonstrate the ability to independently write longer scientific texts. English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 is required. Preferred qualifications include fluency in a language relevant to the polar region, openness to interdisciplinary research, independent research skills, goal orientation, professional approach, and analytical capacity.

To apply, candidates must submit a CV, an application letter (2–3 pages) describing their research idea and interest in polar regions, diplomas, transcripts, language certificates (with certified translations if needed), and an academic writing sample (summary and link if long). Applications must be submitted through KTH's recruitment system by March 12, 2026. For more information, contact the supervisor Kati Lindström at [email protected].

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of polar governance through historical and interdisciplinary approaches, with access to field courses, stakeholder engagement, and a vibrant academic community at KTH.