Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Centre for Demographic and Ageing Research (CEDAR)
CEDAR is a centre at which interdisciplinary research is conducted on demographic changes and ageing at an individual and societal level in a long-term perspective. One central research area relates to historical and contemporary demographic processes. Other research area relates to the transition from a young to an ageing society. There are several large databases at the unit, and most researchers at CEDAR use register data, survey data or longitudinal population data in their research. Research is conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods, although quantitative research does dominate. CEDAR also hosts two of the Swedish Research Council’s national infrastructures, SHARE-Sweden and SwedPop. CEDAR plays an active role in a number of national and international networks, and the research conducted here features a high degree of internationalization. To create stability in research activities, CEDAR aims to establish career paths for younger researchers to ensure future growth, particularly in historical demography. Historical demography is a central research subject at CEDAR because the unit hosts and develops one of the world's largest research databases for historical demographic research. Historical demography at UmU has been leading both nationally and internationally since the 1990s, largely thanks to the databases of DDB/CEDAR, which population history researchers and doctoral students have used to illuminate historical problem areas, often with relevance to social sciences.
Eligibility
In order to be appointed as a postdoctoral fellow, it is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree within history. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the employment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances.
A precondition is that the applicant has not previously been employed as a postdoctoral fellow at Umeå University for more than a year within the same or equivalent discipline.
Assessment criteria
In the assessment of candidates, special importance will primarily be laid to the scientific merits of the candidates within historical demography and experience of working with longitudinal register data. Following this, the quality and feasibility of the research plan will be assessed. When assessing feasibility, emphasis will be placed on how well the research plan aligns with the research environment in historical demography at CEDAR, and on the extent to which the existing research expertise at CEDAR can support the proposed research. Experience of collaboration, publishing and presenting within the international research community is an advantage. Both good writing and oral communication skills in English as well as good ability to work with others, are requirements for this position. Experience with methodological skills for analyzing both historical and modern population register data using quantitative methods is an advantage.
Job description
The Postdoc is expected to conduct independent research in historical demography. In addition to research, part of the job consists in contributing to the research environment by actively participating in the research seminar and other research activities such as grant application. Within the framework of the position, there is the opportunity to perform data analyses and write articles for publication in scientific journals based on existing data in ongoing research projects at CEDAR. Certain administrative tasks related to research activities might occur.
Application
The application must include:
A brief description of the research interests and the reason for applying for the position (max 2 pages)
CV and a complete publication list
List of publications (3-5 most relevant works, the thesis included)
Copies of the PhD certificate and other relevant degrees
Names and contact details of two reference persons
Research plan, which describes the research to be carried out during the postdoctoral position (3-5 pages) and its relevance to CEDAR research
The application must be submitted through the electronic recruitment system Varbi no later than 05- 08- 2024. The application can be written in English or Swedish. Electronic documents need to be in Word or pdf format.
Further information
The Postdoc is a three years’ full-time position (100%) starting on the 01-10-2024 unless otherwise agreed. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to carry out the work in Umeå and is required to be present in the environment to a high extent.
For more information about the employment, contact director of CEDAR, Lena Karlsson (lena.karlsson@umu.se, 090-786 56 92) or Assistant Director Mojgan Padyab (mojgan.padyab@umu.se, 090-786 62 49).
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
