Postdoctoral Scholarships in Environmental History and Political Science of Forest-Based Energy at Umeå University

Umeå University in Sweden is offering two 2-year postdoctoral scholarships in the interdisciplinary project "The Power of the Forest – Energy, dependency, and preparedness in Northern Sweden's Forests, from the 1970s until today." The project is funded by the Kempe Foundations and focuses on the environmental history and political science of forest-based energy, examining how material conditions, institutional arrangements, and traditions have shaped the development of bioenergy in Sweden since the 1970s. The research explores the interplay between fossil and bio-based energy sources, the role of forests during energy crises, and the evolution of policy and public opinion regarding forest-based energy. The project is highly relevant to contemporary issues of energy security, climate change, and natural resource management. There are two postdoctoral positions available: one in Environmental History (Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies) and one in Political Science (Department of Political Science). Both positions are full-time for two years, starting 1 September 2026 or by agreement. The successful candidates will join a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment, collaborating with supervisors Janina Priebe (Associate Professor), Camilla Sandström (Professor), and Erland Mårald (Professor), all at Umeå University. The project is also linked to the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (WIFORCE) and involves collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The Environmental History position requires a doctoral degree in a relevant humanities discipline and the ability to work with Swedish-language source material. The Political Science position requires a doctoral degree in political science or a closely related field, with strong English skills and, preferably, the ability to analyze Swedish-language material. Both positions value interdisciplinary research interests, the ability to conduct and publish high-quality research, and collaborative skills. Applicants should have completed their PhD within three years of the application deadline, unless special circumstances apply. The scholarships provide a tax-free stipend of SEK 720,000 for two years (approx. SEK 30,000/month), paid in four disbursements, with additional funding for conference travel. Applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi by 31 March 2026 and should include a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, dissertation, up to four publications, and any other relevant documents. For more information, see the official announcements and project pages linked above, or contact the supervisors directly. Keywords: environmental history, political science, bioenergy, forestry, energy policy, natural resource development, Sweden, forest-based energy, renewable energy, energy transition.