Sapere Aude – dare to be wise – is our motto. Our students and staff develop knowledge of social importance that enriches individuals and the world. Our academic environment is characterized by curiosity, courage and openness, and there are close connections between people, roles, subjects and research. The foundation of our work is equality, diversity and a democratic approach. We are located in Värmland, a nature-rich and culturally vibrant region where we are a driver for sustainable development in close collaboration with society.
Karlstad University has approximately 1,400 employees and 18,700 students distributed across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. Read more about us at: kau.se/jobb
Description
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences invites applications for a position in doctoral education leading to a PhD in Social Work at the Department of Social and Psychological Studies. Social Work at Karlstad University offers education at bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. The subject is responsible for a social worker program with approximately 350 students, and we have approximately 30 people working with education and research in the subject. Social Work is part of a multi-disciplinary department together with Sociology, Psychology and Gender Studies. Research in Social Work is conducted at individual, group and societal levels. The aim is to contribute knowledge about causes, consequences and solutions to social problems, as well as methods and perspectives for developing social work practice. Research in Social Work at Karlstad University is characterized by a strong focus on practice-relevant relevance, co-productive knowledge processes and critical perspectives. Central themes in the research include:
Young people's living conditions, particularly in relation to upbringing, school environment, exposure to violence, mental health, criminal environments and social child and youth care
User perspectives and participation, with a focus on social psychiatry and support for people with autism and ADHD
Conditions for social work practice, for example in elderly care and in encounters with migrants, as well as prerequisites for knowledge-based and coordinated work within social services and related activities.
Read more about the research and us at: https://www.kau.se/socialt-arbete
We welcome applicants with an interest in the research conducted in Social Work at Karlstad University.
Duties
As a doctoral candidate, you will primarily engage in your own research education. Doctoral education consists of 240 hp for a PhD and includes studies with salary. As a doctoral candidate, you work independently and are prepared to contribute in various ways to the subject's and department's work and development. By agreement, it may be relevant to participate in teaching and administration, known as departmental service. Such work typically comprises 20% of full-time work. Working as a doctoral candidate gives you great freedom to plan and organize your day. It requires commitment, personal drive and the ability to structure your work to reach your dissertation goals. Experienced supervisors will support you along the way. To contribute to a good working environment and development of the department, you are present and participate in daily work and community activities.
Application deadline: 2026-10-25
Provide reference number: REK 2026/213
For applicants with foreign credentials
If your degree is from an institution outside Sweden or has not been previously verified by a Swedish authority, it is important that you attach your diploma and course descriptions to facilitate assessment. Indicate in your application a contact (telephone number or email) at the issuing institution that can verify your degree.
Welcome to submit your application!
Karlstad University has registered for this recruitment and we therefore decline contact from advertising sales representatives and recruiters.
HR Excellence in Research
Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award in September 2020. The award is given to employers with a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and who continuously work to develop these. The award demonstrates the university's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment and favorable professional development for researchers. Read more at kau.se/hrs4r.