Doctoral student in Educational Work

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and perseverance. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. We are located in an active and scenic region and we promote sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider society.
 
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 17,300 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
 
More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

Description

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is accepting applications for a doctoral studentship leading to a PhD in Educational Work with a specialisation in Special Education at the Department of Educational Studies. The doctoral programme in educational work is one of the university’s largest and includes around 40 doctoral students. Educational work is a cross-disciplinary field of research, dealing with issues related to schools and other educational institutions. The subject covers issues on teaching and learning, general didactics and special education. This includes the work of pupils and teachers, the socialisation and learning of children and young people, and practical issues central to professional educational work.

Duties

As a doctoral student, you will primarily dedicate time to your own studies. The doctoral programme comprises 240 credits for a Degree of Doctor and 120 credits for a Degree of Licentiate. The doctoral appointment is a paid position that offers a combination of studies and work, and a great opportunity for a potential career in academia. Doctoral students are expected to work independently and be prepared to contribute to the activities and development of the subject and the department. Teaching and administrative duties may also be included upon agreement, but will not constitute more than 20% of full-time. Work as a doctoral student allows for great freedom and flexibility in terms of how you structure your day. It takes commitment, discipline and a structured approach in order to successfully complete a doctoral thesis. Experienced supervisors offer guidance and support along the way. To contribute to a positive work environment and further the department’s activities, we expect you to be a present and active part of the day-to-day operations and workplace community.

Qualification requirements

To be eligible for a doctoral studentship, applicants must meet the general and specific entry requirements (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 35).

To meet the general entry requirements, applicants must have been awarded a second-cycle qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 39).

To meet the specific entry requirements, the applicant must hold a Degree of Bachelor of Arts/Science in Education, or must in some other way have acquired equivalent knowledge, in the country or abroad.

Admission and assessment criteria

To be eligible for doctoral studies, the applicant must be considered to have the ability required to benefit from the programme (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 35). The assessment will focus on the applicant’s performance in previous studies, the quality of independent projects completed during these studies, research plan, proficiency in Swedish and English, and whether the applicant intends to be a present and active part of the research environment. The research plan shall describe the intended thesis project, with a focus on, for example:

Special educational needs and support measures related to gender, ethnicity and/or socio-economic factors. Disabilities and neuropsychiatric difficulties among children and pupils in preschool and school contexts. Pupils’ development paths and school experiences in compulsory school as well as upper secondary school for pupils with intellectual disabilities. Inclusion and equality related to the digitalisation of society and school. Development of writing and reading from a perspective of inclusion and prevention.

We also value the applicant’s ability to approach their work in structured manner, as well as the ability to work autonomously and show persistence.

Terms

Upon admission to doctoral studies, the person will be offered the appointment of doctoral student (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 5, Sect. 3). The position comprises four years of full-time studies, or five years at a study rate of 80% with 20% teaching or other departmental duties. The position is fixed-term — one year initially, followed by possible extensions by a maximum of two years at a time. Start date by agreement. The salary for the doctoral studentship corresponds to the standard level of salary for doctoral students and progresses in accordance with a local collective agreement.

Application

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi.

Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

Please note that all qualifications that you wish to refer to must be verified through grades, certificates or equivalent;
- a cover letter where the applicant details the reasons behind their interest in the position

- a list of qualifications (CV)

- degree certificate with a complete transcript of the courses included, or a certified list of completed courses with grades and dates

- copy of master’s thesis or equivalent

- where applicable, copies of publications or certificates for other qualifications

- a brief research plan (1,000–2,500 words) 

- any letters of recommendation
- two references, such as a teacher, supervisor, or previous or current superior.

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to the following address:

Karlstads universitet

HR-administratör

651 88 KARLSTAD

Application deadline: 2024-08-15

State the ref. no: REK 2024/132.

Applicants with qualifications from abroad

If you have qualifications from a university outside Sweden or if they have not been recognised by a Swedish authority before, it is important that you attach degree certificates and official transcripts to facilitate the recognition of foreign qualifications.
Provide a contact for the degree-awarding institution (phone number or email) who can verify your qualifications.

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.

HR Excellence in Research
Karlstad University received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award September 2020. The award is issued to employers with a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and its continuous improvement. The award also conveys the university’s commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more: kau.se/hrs4r

1. Björn Eliasson, +46547002406

1. Thomas Bragefors, SACO, 054-7001714
2. Denita Gustavsson, OFR, 054-7001434