Department of Urban and Rural Development
Doctoral Subject:
Agrarian History
Description of the PhD Project:
A key question in historical research is how people in pre-industrial societies gained access to food. During the early modern period, the majority of all food in Europe consisted of grain, transformed into bread, beer, and porridge. This was the most important human energy source, and the vast majority of Europe's population therefore worked to produce, transport, and process grain.
Read more about the research project in the announcement on SLU's website: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/lediga-jobb/doktorand-i-agrarhistoria/
Responsibilities:
During the doctoral period, the PhD student shall primarily dedicate themselves to their doctoral education, which includes participation in the research project, writing a doctoral dissertation (either a monograph or a compilation dissertation consisting of three to four research articles), and completing doctoral courses equivalent to 75 higher education credits. The courses include agrarian history courses at SLU, but there is also the opportunity to take courses at other institutions. Departmental duties, such as teaching, may be included in the position upon agreement, but not exceeding 20% of working time, with the right to a corresponding extension of the position.
Qualifications:
Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or who have acquired equivalent knowledge in another way within or outside the country (Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).
For this particular position, it is required as a special qualification that your degree/studies have been in history, economic history, or a closely related discipline.
In addition, good knowledge of Swedish (or another Scandinavian language) and English (both spoken and written) are required for employment.
Your Background:
It is meritorious if you have experience working with early modern handwritten sources in Swedish, particularly from the 1600s and if these concern court records and/or tax registers/toll registers. It is further meritorious if you have used digital methods for handwriting recognition (HTR) on corresponding or similar source material. Previous personal studies of pre-industrial agriculture or trade are also meritorious.
Furthermore, as an applicant, you must have the personal qualities required for the position: That you are systematic and careful in your work, that you demonstrate curiosity toward historical research problems and source-related challenges, show capacity for reflection and critical thinking, have a good ability to work independently (under supervision), have good collaboration skills, and otherwise possess the personal qualities deemed important for the position.
Application Requirements
The application must contain:
(i) A cover letter (one to two A4 pages) in which you describe your qualifications in relation to the announced position and your interest in the specific dissertation project
(ii) CV (with contact information)
(iii) List of courses at basic and advanced level, as well as bachelor's and master's degree certificates (in PDF format)
(iv) Master's thesis (in PDF format)
(v) Contact information for one to two reference persons (previous supervisors)
About Us:
Please read more about our department and division here: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/stad-land/
https://www.slu.se/forskning/forskningskatalog/grupper/a/agrarhistoria/
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/
Read more about SLU's doctoral education at www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.
Funding and Salary:
Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)
The salary for the PhD student position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.
Extent:
100%
Location:
Uppsala
Start Date:
Fall 2026 (start date by agreement)
Application and Selection:
Selection among eligible applicants is based on the written application (including cover letter, list of qualifications, course list and degree certificates, thesis). Following this, assessment of sufficient language skills, employment interview, personal qualities, and references will form the basis for the employment decision.
Applicants invited to interview must, upon request, submit certified copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous studies at basic and advanced level from a university or college. Applicants with foreign citizenship must, upon request, submit a certified copy of the page in their passport containing photo and personal information.
Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by August 31, 2026.
Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/
Selection among eligible applicants is made based on the attachments included in the application and shall be made with consideration to the ability to complete the education within the set time.
Trade Union Contact Persons
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/Department of Urban and Rural Development
Doctoral Subject:
Agrarian History
Description of the PhD Project:
A key question in historical research is how people in pre-industrial societies gained access to food. During the early modern period, the majority of all food in Europe consisted of grain, transformed into bread, beer, and porridge. This was the most important human energy source, and the vast majority of Europe's population therefore worked to produce, transport, and process grain.
Read more about the research project in the announcement on SLU's website:…