Researcher in Sociology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Sociology and Work Science has about 120 employed, teachers, researchers, PhD-students and administrative staff. The Department carries out research, education and collaboration in a number of areas. There is research in areas like the labor market, working life, social deviance, digitalization, emotions, gender, migration, environmental issues, social movements, governance and organization as well as science and technology.

The different fields of research in the department are mainly coordinated around a number of seminar series, where there is constant cross-fertilization as most staff members follow more than one seminar series.

Courses are offered in a range of fields such as sociology, work science, human resource management, criminology and social psychology. The Department also has extensive commitment to several of the University's educational programmes, particularly in teacher education. Collaboration and development projects are conducted both in research and education with partners in the private and public sector for example through the Centre for Global Human Resource Management (CGHRM).

Duties

The Department of Sociology and Work Science is seeking a researcher who will work in an existing project titled “A Sea of Plastic: Social Structural Drivers of Marine Plastic Pollution in Europe” (2024-2026).

This project will examine political-economic processes associated with growing plastic production and consumption in the European Economic Area, with a focus on marine pollution. The primary aim of this project is to identify social-structural processes that act as underlying drivers of growing plastics pollution.

The researcher in this position is expected to conduct research in collaboration with the research team including national and international researchers. The project will be directed by the PI, Dr. Stefano B. Longo. The duties for the position include compiling and organizing historical/existing data, planning and conducting interviews, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and publishing the results in scientific articles. Some travel for fieldwork will be expected. Within the framework of the employment, there is the opportunity to independently develop research ideas.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this appointment as a researcher, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree in sociology, or a degree, obtained in Sweden or abroad, that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree in sociology for example environmental sociology, human ecology, and/or sustainability science.

The successful candidate will have a proven research record in environmental sociology, human ecology, or sustainability science. The researcher should have demonstrated proficiency in conducting social research drawing on structural analyses and theories in environmental social science. It is particularly beneficial for the applicant to have research experience employing theory and methodology based in historical materialist and/or critical realist traditions. Knowledge of issues associated with plastics production and consumption is useful.

To be successful in the position, the candidate must have good organizational and problem-solving skills. Great importance is placed on personal suitability, which is expressed in, among other things, communication and cooperation skills, and the ability to work independently.

In order to be able to carry out planned empirical collection, the applicant must have a very good ability (equivalent to CEFR B2) to communicate in English in speech and writing. Swedish language skills are meritorious and command of other European languages can be advantageous.

As a basis for assessment, the applicant must attach a letter of application (max. 2 pages) that describes how your research agenda can contribute to the research project and how you meet the criteria above, CV, complete list of publications, degree certificate or certificate regarding upcoming degree, one (1) example of a publication, and three references (including contact details).

 

Employment

The employment is a fixed term-employment for 24 months, 50% of fulltime, placed at the Department of Sociology and Work Science. First day of employment as agreed.

Appointment procedure

Besides assessing written documentation from the applicant, the selection process will also include interviews and reference taking.

For further information regarding the position

For further information on the position, please contact Stefano Longo stefano.longo@gu.se

For further information on the application process, please contact human resource officer Anna Karin Wiberg, +46 31 786,4761, anna-karin.wiberg@gu.se

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

Closing date: 2024-06-24

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.