Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Department of Technology Management and Economics
Institute:
Chalmers University of Technology
Country:
Sweden
Research Field:
Political science, public administration, management, economic geography
Posted Date:
Mar 21, 2026
Deadline:
Apr 19, 2026
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
NA
PhD Position in the political dynamics of energy transitions
Description:
- Do you want to contribute to new knowledge about one of the most decisive societal transformations of our time? We are seeking a Doctoral student who will develop critical knowledge about how political dynamics shape the energy transition. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research project with strong scientific ambition and clear policy relevance, in close collaboration with leading researchers and societal stakeholders.
- The Doctoral student will be part of the interdisciplinary project Consensus and Conflict in the Energy Transition, which gathers researchers from Chalmers, University of Gothenburg, and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden to combine transition studies and political science. The project investigates how differences in values and beliefs among policymakers, firms, experts, and citizens shape the pace, direction, and legitimacy of the energy transition. Applying methods such as discourse network analysis, quantitative and qualitative text analysis, surveys, case studies, and interviews, the research aims to identify and explain the mechanisms underlying policy development, technology choices, and societal acceptance, with a particular focus on contested energy and technology domains.
What you will do
- Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Technology Management and Economics
- Develop your own scientific knowledge and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
- The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
We are seeking candidates with a Master’s degree in, for example:
- Innovation or transition studies
- Political science, public administration, or similar
- Science and technology Studies (STS)
- Global systems, industrial engineering and management, economic geography, or equivalent
The following requirements are mandatory:
- To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master’s degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits*.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Strong analytical skills and an interest in research methodology
- Documented experience in quantitative and/or qualitative analysis
- A strong interest in political perspectives on energy and climate transitions
- Excellent ability to communicate in spoken and written English
- Understanding of the Swedish and Nordic context
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in interdisciplinary research
- Experience combining qualitative and quantitative analysis
- Familiarity with R, Python, or similar analytical tools.
- Experience with text analysis and survey methodology
- Knowledge of energy, climate, or sustainability-related policy issues
- Proficiency in a Scandinavian language
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
- The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with 20% teaching or other departmental duties, which extends the position up to five years.
A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
Benefits:
- As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Personal letter (maximum 1 page)
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
- Bachelor- and master-level exam certificates, including transcripts of records (grades)
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.
How to apply:
- The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files.
- Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
- The Department of Technology Management and Economics conducts research and education at the intersection of technological development and management/policy. At the Division of Innovation and R&D Management, the research focuses on organizing and managing innovation, improvement, change and R&D activities. By collaborating with public and private organizations, we address real-world challenges that demand novel ways of working and organizing.
- Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Master’s degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Master’s degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated Master–PhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.