Maria Lexhagen

Mid Sweden University invites applications for a PhD position in managing hybridisation in cultural heritage and tourism, as part of the MSCA-Doctoral Network Fellowship project HERITOUR. The HERITOUR project aims to enhance collaborative synergies between cultural heritage and tourism sectors, focusing on hybridisation, sustainability, resilience, and democratisation. This interdisciplinary initiative provides advanced training and research opportunities across six universities, with 10 PhD vacancies available. The advertised position (DC-2) will examine hybridisation, including the digital-physical spectrum and cultural/institutional hybridisation, to foster intersectoral collaboration in cultural heritage and tourism. Research will explore practices in local, hybrid, and online spaces, such as digital/media platforms and communities, for the management, development, and protection of cultural heritage and tourism. Key themes include stakeholder networks, competitiveness, commercialization, marketing, authenticity, innovation, inclusivity, and longevity. The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Dr. Maria Lexhagen (Mid Sweden University) and co-supervised by Professor Dr. Christine Lundberg (University of Stavanger). The position offers independent third-cycle studies with 100% research, including dissertation work, publication, presentation, and participation in intensive training schools, seminars, and workshops as part of HERITOUR. Two secondments (totaling three months) are included: at the Sámi Museum Gaaltije in Östersund, Sweden, and Europa Nostra in Türkiye. Applicants must hold a second-cycle qualification (at least 240 credits, with 60 at second-cycle level) or equivalent, and at least 90 credits in tourism studies, business administration, human geography, or equivalent. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the start date, and must not already possess a doctoral degree. Assessment criteria include demonstrated interest and capacity in the field, scientific, analytical, and communicative skills, readiness for PhD-level research, excellent English communication skills, teamwork and independence, motivation for high-level research, intellectual autonomy, and critical analytical skills. Familiarity with digital technologies, quantitative/qualitative methods, and interest in indigenous or minority communities are regarded favourably. The position is full-time for four years, expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. Salary is according to Mid Sweden University’s doctoral student scale, starting at 33,900 SEK/month, plus a mobility allowance. Family allowance is available for eligible candidates as part of the MSCA Fellowship. The place of employment is Östersund, Sweden, with a start date of 1 September 2026 or as agreed. Application documents must be submitted in English via the university’s recruitment system by 4 May 2026. Required documents include a signed Declaration of Honours, CV with publication list, certificates/diplomas, personal letter, research proposal, copy of Master's thesis, and names/contact information of two references. Support the declaration with documentation such as rental contracts. For further information, contact Professor Maria Lexhagen at [email protected]. Mid Sweden University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, offering a vibrant academic environment with campuses in Sundsvall and Östersund. The university is located close to natural surroundings, providing a high quality of life for students and staff.

Mid Sweden University invites applications for a PhD position as part of the HERITOUR MSCA-Doctoral Network Fellowship, focusing on hybridisation in cultural heritage and tourism experiences. The HERITOUR project aims to enhance collaborative synergies between cultural heritage and tourism sectors, addressing shared challenges and reducing negative impacts of tourism through interdisciplinary training. The research will explore how digital technologies and mediatisation influence creativity, tourist experiences, marketing, consumption, behaviour, co-creation, customer journeys, communication, content, context, and presence, with a particular emphasis on the core dimensions, value, and meaning of hybridisation. The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Dr. Maria Lexhagen (Mid Sweden University) and co-supervised by Dr Özgün Ozçakir (Middle East Technical University). The position is based in Östersund, Sweden, and includes two secondments totaling three months at Kalmar Castle (Sweden) and Europa Nostra (Türkiye). The doctoral studentship is a full-time, four-year position expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor, with an initial contract of one year and possible renewals up to two years at a time. Applicants must hold a second-cycle level qualification (at least 240 credits, with 60 at second-cycle level) or equivalent knowledge, and have at least 90 credits in tourism studies, business administration, human geography, or equivalent fields such as marketing, media/communication studies, or urban studies. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the start date, and must not already possess a doctoral degree. Assessment criteria include demonstrated interest and capacity in the field, scientific, analytical, and communicative skills, readiness for PhD-level research, and excellent English communication skills. Familiarity with digitalization, digital technologies and media (e.g. 3D modelling), and quantitative and qualitative scientific methods is highly valued. Personal qualities sought include teamwork, independence, motivation, collaboration skills, intellectual autonomy, and critical analytical skills. The position offers a competitive salary according to Mid Sweden University’s scale for doctoral students, starting at 33,900 SEK/month, plus a mobility allowance. Candidates with families may be eligible for a family allowance as part of the MSCA Fellowship. The university provides a supportive research environment, with campuses in Sundsvall and Östersund, and is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and sustainability. Application documents must be submitted in English and include a signed Declaration of Honours (with supporting documentation such as rental contracts), CV with publication list, certificates/diplomas, personal letter (max 1 page), research proposal (max 3 pages), copy of Master's thesis, and names/contact information of two references. No letters of recommendation are required at this stage. The deadline for applications is 4 May 2026. For more information, visit the HERITOUR project website or contact Professor Maria Lexhagen or Rosemarie Ankre. Apply online via the Mid Sweden University recruitment system. The university is located close to natural surroundings, offering a high quality of life and a vibrant academic community. Join HERITOUR and contribute to innovative research at the intersection of cultural heritage and tourism.