Social Policy Unit at the Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI)
The Department of Sociology at Stockholm University, one of the top 50 sociology departments globally, is offering an exciting opportunity for a PhD student in the field of social policy. The position is based at the Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI), a leading multi-disciplinary research institute focused on key areas such as social policy, welfare, inequality, and the labor market.
Project Overview
The PhD student will work under the guidance of Dr. Cassandra Engeman on a project titled “Making Time: Organized Labour and the Politics of Care Leave”, which is funded by the European Research Council 2024 Starting Grant. The project investigates the role of trade unions, works councils, and federations in shaping and advocating for care leave policies across different countries.
Care leave policies, which vary significantly across countries, provide job-protected time off for employees to care for family members or attend to self-care needs. This project will utilize mixed methods to examine the evolution and impact of these policies, with a particular focus on France, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Main Responsibilities
The PhD student will contribute to various aspects of the project, including:
- Cross-national comparative research (quantitative data collection and analysis)
- Case study research (qualitative investigation into specific countries)
- Building the Care Leave Policy Data Set: This dataset will provide longitudinal and comparative measures of different care leave policies across countries.
- Researching and coding social policies and reforms at the country level.
The PhD student will have the opportunity to utilize this dataset for their own dissertation research.
Qualification Requirements
To be eligible for this PhD position, applicants must meet the general and specific entry requirements. Specifically, they should:
- Hold a second-cycle degree (Master’s degree) or equivalent education, including at least 240 higher education credits, with 60 credits in the second cycle.
- Have prior training in quantitative research methods, with an interest in applying qualitative methods.
- Be proficient in English, both written and spoken.
Additional language proficiency in French or Dutch is not required but will be considered an asset.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- Relevant academic background in sociology, social policy, or a related field.
- Quantitative research skills (prior training in quantitative methods).
- Fit between the candidate’s research plan and the Making Time project.
- Other professional qualities, such as analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, and creativity and independence.
Applicants must submit a research plan (max. 2000 words), which should focus on topics related to care leave policies, trade unions, or family policies. The research plan should detail:
- Why you are interested in this research.
- How you plan to conduct your research.
- A brief description of any relevant prior research.
About the Employment
The position is a fixed-term employment for up to four years. As a doctoral student, you will primarily focus on your dissertation research, though the position may involve up to 20% of work in education, research, and administration.
Stockholm University is committed to promoting a workplace that is inclusive, non-discriminatory, and offers equal opportunities for all staff.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through Stockholm University’s recruitment system. The application must include:
- A personal letter and CV
- The requested attachments (including your research plan and academic transcripts)
The application deadline is 1 march 2025.
Please refer to the instructions for applicants on how to apply:
