Umeå University, one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, is inviting applications for a fully funded doctoral student position in the History of Science and Ideas. The position is based in the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies, which brings together expertise in fields such as environmental history, forestry history, Arctic history, and natural resource development. The research environment is dynamic, with a focus on the modern era and European and Swedish history of science and ideas, while maintaining global perspectives. Research areas include the history of science, medicine, technology, the environment, as well as religious, digital, and media history, and gender research within the history of science and ideas. The department encourages applicants to propose research projects that address historical changes, contexts, and meanings of ideas and knowledge, with flexibility in research focus as long as it aligns with the discipline’s core themes. Applicants must hold a Master’s or equivalent degree in a relevant field, with at least 240 credits (including 60 at the Master’s level), and at least 30 credits in history of science and ideas at the second-cycle level, including an independent thesis. Equivalent qualifications from outside Sweden are accepted. Selection is based on academic achievements, research plan quality, references, and interviews. The doctoral program is coordinated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Doctoral College, and students are expected to contribute actively to the research environment. The position is a full-time, four-year employment with an initial contract of twelve months, extendable up to five years if teaching or administrative duties are undertaken. The starting monthly salary is SEK 30,900, increasing to SEK 35,600. Tuition is covered, and doctoral students may participate in teaching and administration up to 20% of their time. The working language is mainly Swedish, but English is increasingly used. Applications must include degree certificates, transcripts, CV, references, copies of theses/publications, a motivation letter, and a detailed research plan. The application deadline is March 6, 2026, and applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi. The doctoral studies begin at the start of the autumn semester, August 31, 2026. For more information, visit the official job posting or contact the listed supervisors and coordinators. Keywords: History of Science, Environmental History, Forestry History, Arctic History, Natural Resource Development, Swedish History, European History, Ideas, Knowledge, Society, Culture.

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.