Postdoctoral Researcher in War Studies on Women’s Voluntary Defence Organisations in Finland and Sweden Swedish Defence University in Sweden

The Swedish Defence University is advertising a postdoctoral researcher in War Studies for a project on women’s voluntary defence organisations in Finland and Sweden (Lottakåren and Naisten valmiusliitto). The project examines women’s voluntary labour and participation in war, civil defence, and the reconstruction of national/total defence systems in the context of the rapid re-militarization of the Nordic countries.

The position is based in the Department of War Studies in Stockholm and is linked to an interdisciplinary research environment. The successful candidate will conduct an independent study, including archival research, ethnographic research, writing, and presenting findings. There is also a teaching component of up to 20% of working hours.

Eligibility highlights: applicants must hold a PhD in War Studies, Political Science, or another relevant field such as Sociology, International Relations, Gender Studies, Anthropology, or History. The PhD must normally have been awarded within the last three years. Prior experience with qualitative and interpretive methods is required. Because the project involves data collection in both countries, applicants must have a full command of Finnish and Swedish at a very high level. Strong English skills and personal suitability are also valued.

Funding/employment: this is a fixed-term, full-time employment for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension, under the central collective agreement. Salary is set individually. This is not a scholarship.

Application window: the deadline is 2026-05-10. Applicants should submit a personal letter, CV with publications, and a copy of the doctoral degree through the university recruitment system. If the PhD is not yet completed, the planned completion date should be stated in the application.

Contact for further information: Senior Lecturer Jenny Hedström ([email protected]).