Karlstad University / Department of Environmental and Life Sciences

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 19,000 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
 
More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

Description
The Department of Environmental and Life Sciences is seeking a doctoral student in Risk and Environmental Studies.

Risk and Environmental Studies is a relatively recently established cross-disciplinary discipline that investigates social transitions and risks, with particular focus on environmental, climate and health issues. The discipline is closely connected to three research centres at Karlstad University: the Centre for Climate and Safety (CCS), the Centre for Public Safety (CPS), and the Centre for Regional Studies (CRS). A number of research projects involving researchers from the social sciences, humanities, medicine and natural sciences are conducted in Risk and Environmental Studies and at these research centres. 

Risk and Environmental Studies mainly offers courses as part of the Environment and Safety bachelor programme and the Risk Management in Society master programme. There are currently seven students on the doctoral programme, and the discipline comprises around 30 members of staff.

Duties
The successful applicant will conduct doctoral studies comprising coursework and an independent doctoral project. The project should make a contribution to theory development in the discipline.

Doctoral students work independently and are prepared to contribute in different ways to the internal work at the disicpline, as well as to teaching and administrative duties. The successful applicant is expected to work at Karlstad University and to contribute actively to the departmental research environment. A doctoral studentship includes four years’ full-time study, spread over five years of 80% studies, if the student teaches or performs other departmental duties for the remaining 20%.

More information on doctoral studies is available on the university’s homepage: https://www.kau.se/en/research/doctoral-studies/apply-doctoral-studies/about-doctoral-studies. Pay is based on the local salary agreement for doctoral students.

Entry requirements
General entry requirements are fulfilled by a person who has earned a master’s degree and at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 credits are master-level studies, or who in some other way in Sweden or abroad has acquired largely equivalent knowledge.

For admission to the doctoral programme in Risk and Environmental Studies, applicants also need to fulfil specific entry requirements, namely the equivalent of a master-level degree in Risk and Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Risk Management, or another discipline deemed relevant to the research area. Specific entry requirements are also fulfilled by applicants who in some other way in Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent knowledge.

Selection/Admission
Selection from qualified applicants takes into consideration individual assessment of the applicants’ capacity to complete a programme at the doctoral level successfully. Selection is based on applicants’ prior studies, and weight is given to the quality of independent research or investigative projects, particularly at master’s level and in the proposed research area. In addition, the research plan is assessed, as well as the degree to which it can contribute to theoretical development of the discipline. Being highly motivated and having ability to work independently are important personal qualities. Good spoken and written skills in English are required.

For more information on research and the doctoral programme in Risk and Environmental Studies at Karlstad University, see https://www.kau.se/en/risk-and-environmental-studies.

Application
The application should include:

  • Application letter in which applicants briefly describe their research interests in relation to the advertised position,
  • Research plan (3–5 pages) describing the proposed doctoral project, and including a description of the project’s design showing how the research could be conducted. The research plan is not binding; the successful candidate and the appointed supervisor together determine the research plan.
  • CV,
  • Copies of relevant course certificates and transcripts,
  • Copy of master’s thesis or equivalent,
  • If applicable, copies of scientific publications, certificates or other qualifications,
  • Letters of recommendation or the contact details of at least two references.

The application should include well-documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for documenting qualifications in a way that allows for an objective and qualitative assessment of candidates so that all their skills can be assessed. More information is available in the document “Application Guidelines” on our homepage, https://www.kau.se/en/work-us/work/vacancies.

Applications are made electronically via the university’s web-based recruitment tool Varbi. All documents and publications should be attached to the electronic application (do not provide links only), and should be submitted before the deadline.

Documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to the following address (state ref. no REK 2019/101): Karlstads universitet, Fakulteten för hälsa, natur- och teknikvetenskap, Att.: Åsa Ivansson, 651 88 KARLSTAD, Sweden.

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and declines any contacts from advertising or recruitment agencies.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement
Salary According to local agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Karlstad
County Värmlands län
Country Sweden
Reference number REK2019/101
Contact
  • Lars Nyberg, professor,, lars.nyberg@kau.se, +46 (0)54-700 21 99
Union representative
  • Denita Gustavsson, OFR, +46 (0)54-700 1434
  • Thomas Bragefors, SACO, +46 (0)54-700 1714
Published 27.May.2019
Last application date 17.Jun.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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