PhD Studentship in Political Science: Power and Polarisation in Swedish Forestry Lund University in Sweden

This fully funded PhD studentship at Lund University is part of the interdisciplinary research project “Power and Polarisation in Swedish Forestry: From Lock-ins to Sustainable Transition,” led by Professor Fariborz Zelli and funded by FORMAS (2025-2030). The project addresses the increasingly heated debates over forest management in Sweden, focusing on the polarisation between intensive forest management for export and criticism of large-scale clear-cutting practices. The research aims to analyse the drivers and impacts of these lock-ins and to identify sustainable compromises to alleviate polarisation, contributing to Sweden’s compliance with national, EU, and global environmental goals.

The doctoral student will join a diverse team employing methods such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, ethnographic approaches, network and scenario analyses, and stakeholder collaboration. The position offers the freedom to formulate independent research questions, develop theoretical ideas, and choose methodological approaches within the project’s parameters. The student is expected to actively participate in the department’s research and teaching environment and contribute to project activities, including reporting to FORMAS.

The PhD programme consists of 240 credits (four years full-time), culminating in a public defense of the doctoral thesis. The position includes a salary for four years, workspace at the Department of Political Science, and may involve up to 20% departmental duties (e.g., teaching), with possible extension of the appointment. The main language of instruction is English, but non-Swedish speakers are expected to acquire basic Swedish during employment, with language courses available at the university.

Eligibility requires a second cycle qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent), at least 240 credits (including 60 at the second cycle), and at least 30 second cycle credits in political science or a closely related discipline. A completed Master’s thesis/project of at least 15 credits in political science or an equivalent field is also required. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English, high motivation, independence, and strong collaboration and communication skills. Experience in environmental politics, forest governance, or Swedish policy processes is considered a merit.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Lund University portal and include a cover letter, research plan, CV, degree and grade certificates, Master’s thesis, and contact information for two references. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered. The studentship will commence on 1 September 2026. For more information, visit the project and programme links provided.