PhD Position in Education with Focus on Environmental and Sustainability Education Örebro University in Sweden

Örebro University is seeking a PhD candidate in Education with a specialization in environmental and sustainability education, based at the Department of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences (HumUS). The position is embedded in the ESERGO research environment, which includes 12 researchers and doctoral students and focuses on didactic research related to environmental and sustainability education, with particular attention to the political and ethical dimensions of teaching. ESERGO's research combines empirical studies of teaching with theoretical development and the creation of didactic models for educators, emphasizing societal relevance and the integration of political, ethical, and pedagogical-philosophical theory in educational studies. The doctoral project may address topics such as democracy, identity, conflict, and responsibility in the context of environmental education, and is open to research at various educational levels, including secondary and higher education.

The doctoral program consists of coursework and independent research culminating in a doctoral thesis, totaling 240 ECTS credits over four years of full-time study. The position includes up to 20% teaching, administration, or other research duties, with corresponding extension of funding and study time. Doctoral students benefit from a tailored seminar series covering academic regulations, career development, and study support. The starting salary is 31,300 SEK per month.

Applicants must have a master's degree or equivalent, or have completed at least 240 ECTS credits (with at least 60 ECTS at advanced level). Special eligibility requires at least 90 ECTS credits in education, didactics, or pedagogical work, including a 15 ECTS independent project, or a teaching degree with a 15 ECTS pedagogical or didactic thesis. Equivalent qualifications from outside Sweden are considered. Strong proficiency in Swedish and English, both written and spoken, is required.

Applications must include a CV, degree certificates and transcripts, independent thesis, other relevant documents, and a statement of interest (2–5 pages) outlining research theme, questions, and theoretical/methodological reflections. Documents should be in Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, or English; other languages require certified translation. The application deadline is November 21, 2025.

For further information, contact Professor Johan Öhman ([email protected]) or research administrator Maja Lindgren ([email protected]). Örebro University values openness, respect, and diversity in its academic community.