Uppsala University is a comprehensive research university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue education and research of the highest quality and relevance to society. Our most valuable assets are the individuals who—with their curiosity and dedication—make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.
The Institute for Russian and Eurasian Studies (IRES) is a multidisciplinary research environment in the humanities and social sciences, focused on the study of Russia and the post-Soviet states. Russian and Eurasian studies have been part of Uppsala University for nearly fifty years. Our research addresses processes of social, political, and economic transformation in Russia and the post-Soviet region. The institute also hosts a thriving international visiting scholar programme.
We are looking for an early-career researcher for a two-year postdoctoral position, with documented area expertise on any of the countries of the post-Soviet region. Candidates need to demonstrate a commitment to multidisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary area studies and a strong record of publication in internationally recognized peer-review journals. We particularly welcome candidates with a doctoral degree in one of following disciplines: history, political science, sociology, anthropology, peace & conflict studies, media studies. The position aims to strengthen both the academic environment and the international profile of Eurasian area studies. The postdoctoral research project should contribute to at least one of the four research themes of IRES:
Security & insecurity, threats & vulnerability
Imperial/colonial power & resistance/decolonization
llliberalism, anti-liberalism, postliberalism, authoritarianism
Resources, resource conflict & human-nature interactions
The starting date is expected to start in January 1, 2027 (possibly earlier, as per candidate availability and IRES needs).
Duties:
Research within the scope of the position and participation in the planning of research activities. The post-doc is expected to initiate and participate in external funding applications. Teaching and administrative duties may be included, but will not exceed 20 percent of the full-time position. Some research administration may also be required.
Qualifications:
To be eligible for the position, the applicant must hold a doctoral degree in a relevant humanities or social science discipline, or have obtained an equivalent foreign degree. The doctoral degree must have been awarded no more than three years before the application deadline. A degree obtained earlier may be accepted under special circumstances, such as parental leave, sick leave, or service in trade unions or similar commitments.
In the selection among eligible applicants, particular emphasis will be placed on scientific excellence and previous research within the field. The assessment will also include the following:
– Strong commitment to multidisciplinary area studies and the ability to contribute to a collaborative academic environment where social science perspectives are combined with deep regional expertise
– A clearly defined and promising research trajectory, including peer-reviewed publications in area studies and/or disciplinary journals, and future publication plans
– Documented teaching experience relevant to IRES’s MA programme
– Experience with submitting applications for external research funding
– Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams, strong critical thinking, and excellent organizational skills
– Proficiency in the Russian language and/or another official language of the post-Soviet region is required. Excellent command of spoken and written English is also necessary.
Assessment criteria:
The primary basis for selection is scientific excellence. The university will consider the applicant who, following a qualitative assessment of skills and qualifications, is deemed most capable of carrying out the proposed research and contributing to the development of the research environment at IRES. Parental leave, part-time work due to care of children, union activities, military service or similar are considered as relevant work experience and should be stated in the CV.
The application should include:
- – A short research project description (maximum two pages) with an explicit statement of how the project relates to one or more of the four IRES themes
- – CV, including a description of qualifications and experience, and a full list of publications
- – Copy of doctoral degree certificate and official transcripts
- – Writing sample: this can either be a published research article or an introductory chapter of the doctoral thesis (please do not include the full thesis)
- – List with names and contact details of at least two, preferably three, referees who can provide letters of recommendation. Please specify your relationship to the referees.
Uppsala University values gender equality and diversity and welcomes applicants of all genders and with diverse backgrounds, functional abilities, and life experiences.
Salary: Individual salary setting applies.
Starting date: 1 January 2027, or as otherwise agreed.
Form of employment: Full-time, fixed-term for a maximum of two years.
Scope of employment: 100%
For further information: Contact Susanna Rabow-Edling, Head of Department, IRES
Application deadline: 2026-06-02
Reference number: UFV-PA 2026/1460
Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/
The position may be subject to security vetting. If security vetting is conducted, the applicant must pass the vetting process to be eligible for employment.
Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.
Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.Placement:Disciplinary Domain of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Uppsala Centre for Russian and Eurasian StudiesScope:Full timeWorking hours:100%Type of employment:Temporary positionPay:Individuell lönNumber of positions:1Town:UppsalaUnion representative:
Number of reference:UFV-PA 2026/1460Last application date:2 June 2026