Two Doctoral Studentships in History: Money(-)making Empire – Monetary Policies and Practices in the Swedish Baltic Empire, ca. 1600–1800 Södertörn University in Sweden

Södertörn University in Stockholm invites applications for two doctoral studentships in History, as part of the research project “Money(-)making empire. Monetary policies and practices in the Swedish Baltic Empire, ca. 1600–1800”. The university is renowned for its multidisciplinary research, especially in the Baltic Sea region and Eastern Europe, and offers a dynamic environment for historical research and education from bachelor’s to doctoral level.

The project investigates the evolution of monetary policies and practices in the Swedish Baltic Empire during the early modern period, conceptualising the empire as a polycentric polity. It challenges nation-state–centred historiography by analysing money as a transregional lens to trace flows of power, conflict, and integration across imperial spaces. Monetary policy was central to warfare and empire-building, affecting peasants, soldiers, merchants, urban authorities, and foreign rulers throughout the Baltic Sea Region.

Doctoral projects may adopt diverse perspectives, including analyses of monetary practices and discourses among various social groups, as well as political and administrative discourses at imperial, national, and local levels. The project advances three analytical perspectives: the polycentric nature of the Swedish Empire, the social embedding of money and everyday monetary practices, and the circulation of money, knowledge, and practices across regions. Methodologically, it combines quantitative analysis with qualitative readings, offering comparative insights into early modern composite states and contemporary monetary integration in Europe.

The work environment is bilingual (Swedish and English), and the Department of History is part of the Historical Studies research area, which includes Archaeology, Ethnology, History, History of Ideas, and the Study of Religions. The doctoral programme covers 240 credits (four years full-time), with possible extension for departmental duties. Admitted students are employed as doctoral students, receiving salary and tuition coverage as per Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.

Entry requirements include a second-cycle qualification (at least 240 credits, with 60 at second-cycle level) or equivalent, and at least 90 credits in History, Economic History, History of Ideas, or equivalent, plus an independent dissertation in History at Master’s level. Applicants must demonstrate ability to assimilate scientific work in English and command the language necessary for thesis work. Applications are ranked by research-level education ability, with communication and cooperation skills assessed via references and interviews. Exemptions from general entry requirements may be granted for special grounds.

To apply, use Södertörn University’s web-based recruitment system “ReachMee” via the provided link. Submit a motivation letter, CV, degree certificates, relevant essays/theses, a research plan (1,000–1,500 words), and two references. Applications may be written in English or Swedish/Norwegian/Danish. Attach up to three publications if available. Incomplete or late applications will not be processed. The application deadline is 9 August 2026 at 23:59 (CET).

For further information, contact Project Manager Christopher Pihl ([email protected]), Director of Studies Elisabeth Wollin ([email protected]), or Human Resources Officer Mirjam Bargello Lindberg ([email protected]). Union representatives are also available for queries. Södertörn University welcomes your application and encourages candidates interested in historical monetary policies and practices in the Baltic Sea region to apply.