PhD Position in Political Science – Sustainable Natural Resource Governance (MiningBrines Programme)
Luleå University of Technology is offering a fully funded PhD position in Political Science, focusing on sustainable natural resource governance within the innovative MiningBrines research programme. The university is renowned for its rapid growth and world-leading expertise, with research and education conducted in close collaboration with industry, the public sector, and leading universities. The MiningBrines programme is designed to address Europe’s strategic need for sustainable access to critical raw materials, energy gases, and renewable energy, and will involve 19 doctoral candidates across disciplines such as Political Science, Geosciences, Biogeochemistry, Artificial Intelligence, and Economics.
As a doctoral candidate, you will analyze the epistemic, economic, legal, political, and social dimensions of acceptance related to brine mining projects. The project includes identifying key socio-economic and environmental factors in ongoing brine mining activities, integrating factors such as socio-demographic, technological, and resource-related variables, attitudes, and values into a model, and using this model to assess effects on acceptance of brine mining. You will have the opportunity to select theoretical frameworks and make decisions regarding operationalization of variables, methods, and analytical strategies, while also developing your own research questions and methodological approaches.
The position emphasizes collaborative doctoral training and interdisciplinary competence, preparing you to contribute to Europe’s green transition. You will participate in joint programme activities, follow an individual study plan in Political Science, engage in the department’s research environment, publish scientific articles, present at conferences, and complete mandatory and elective doctoral courses. Teaching experience may also be available. The position is based in Luleå, with opportunities for courses, study visits, and conference travel in Sweden and internationally.
To qualify, you must have a master’s degree (or equivalent) in political science or a related subject, and demonstrate excellent command of spoken and written English. Selection is based on educational depth and breadth, critical and analytical skills, scientific writing experience, and interest in natural resource management and sustainable development. As part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment, and must not hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Additional merits include a strong foundation in political science theory and methods, interdisciplinary interest, knowledge of natural resource politics and governance, ability to operationalize acceptance variables using quantitative and qualitative methods, interest in advanced quantitative skills (e.g., R or Python), and collaborative skills.
The position is funded as a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral candidate, with salary and benefits according to Swedish regulations. Employment is limited to 4 years, with teaching and departmental duties up to 20%. The expected starting date is September 2026. For further information, contact Gregory Poelzer (Associate Senior Lecturer), Felicia Robertson (Postdoc), Simon Matti (Professor and Subject Representative), or Jerry Blomberg (Division Head). Union representatives are also available for consultation.
To apply, use the application link provided. Submit a cover letter, CV/résumé, and copies of verified diplomas, marking your application with the reference number. The application deadline is September 30, 2026.
