PhD Student in Sociological Demography

Stockholms Universitet · plný úvazek

Sociologiska institutionen, Stockholm, Švédsko

Department of Sociology Founded in 1954, the Department of Sociology offers a dynamic research environment with many interdisciplinary collaborations and a strong international research profile. English-language master's and doctoral programs in sociology and demography attract applicants from many parts of the world. Currently, we have master's students, PhD students, and researchers with backgrounds from at least 15 different countries. The Department is particularly competitive in the areas of demography, ethnic relations and migration, gender, family sociology, political sociology, social policy, social networks, and social stratification. The Department is also home to Stockholm University's Demographic Unit (SUDA), an international group of researchers and PhD students working on many different aspects of population dynamics. Demography is one of Stockholm University's leading research areas. More information about us is available at: Department of Sociology. Project Description The dissertation work will be conducted within the framework of the ERC-funded project "Social Inequalities in Bereavement: From Demographic Rates to Lived Experience (DEM-LOSS)," led by Professor Isaac Sasson. The loss of family members is a universal human experience that profoundly affects social and psychological well-being. Declining mortality in high-income countries has made this experience more predictable across the life course, but there is considerable variation between social and socioeconomic groups in when and to what extent individuals lose family members. The DEM-LOSS project aims to establish the demographic and social determinants of this type of loss across the life course, to document social differences within and between countries, and to understand how this in turn shapes how individuals feel, think, and act. The study is conducted at multiple sites, including Tel Aviv University and Stockholm University. The study will examine the loss of family members across several social and national contexts, including Sweden, Israel, and other countries. More information about the project is available on the project website. The PhD student will be part of a research group based at Stockholm University and is expected to contribute to one or more research objectives through both independent work and group work. The work consists of formulating research questions, preparing literature reviews, conducting data analysis, coding, and writing research articles. Previous training in quantitative research methods is required, as is experience with various demographic data sources (e.g., population registers, administrative registers, survey data). A key responsibility of the PhD student will be to use the Swedish population register to link kinship across multiple generations, in order to investigate the occurrence of family losses across the life course, its underlying demographic factors, and individual consequences. Eligibility Requirements To be admitted to doctoral education, applicants must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements. These requirements must be fulfilled by the final application deadline. You meet the general eligibility requirement if you have completed an advanced degree or completed at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp are at the advanced level, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in another way, domestically or internationally. Specific eligibility requirements are described in the general study plan for doctoral education in Sociological Demography. Selection Selection among applicants is made with regard to the ability to benefit from doctoral education. The criteria used to assess this ability are: Documented knowledge in one or more of the following areas: kinship demography, mortality inequalities, social stratification, and life course theory. Strong background in demographic and/or statistical research methods and willingness to undergo further methodological training. Experience working with (preferably Swedish) population registers and survey data. Alignment between the research plan and the DEM-LOSS project. Ability to work both independently and as part of a research team. Written and oral proficiency in English. The assessment will be based on previous coursework and grades, references, relevant experience, interviews, the candidate's written motivation for applying for the position, and the quality (i.e., originality and feasibility) of the doctoral dissertation research plan. Applicants will need to submit a preliminary research plan in the application system, maximum 1,000 words (excluding references). The plan should focus on research topics related to the DEM-LOSS project (e.g., kinship demography, mortality inequalities, family heterogeneity, and social mobility). Admission procedures for doctoral education at Stockholm University. About the Position We offer a fixed-term position as a PhD student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a PhD student, you will primarily engage in your own doctoral education, but the position may include work in teaching, research, and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20%). A new position as a PhD student applies for a maximum of one year, after which the employment is renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all. Contact Additional information is provided by Prof. Isaac Sasson, [email protected]. Application You apply for the PhD student position through Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the announcement and that it is submitted to the University no later than the final application deadline. Instructions for applicants are available on the website: Applying for a position. Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.