PhD in Gender Studies in Sweden 2026 – Fully Funded Doctoral Position at Lund University

Study Gender, Sexuality and Democracy in Europe at a Top-Ranked University

A fully funded PhD position in Gender Studies is now open at Lund University in Sweden. Founded in 1666 and consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, Lund University hosts approximately 47,000 students and over 8,800 staff across Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö.

The position is based within the Faculty of Social Sciences and offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct advanced research on contemporary gender struggles in Europe as part of a major international research project.

The planned start date is 1 September 2026.

About the Faculty and Research Environment

The PhD position is located within the Division of Gender Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The division forms part of the Department of Sociology alongside Sociology and Social Anthropology.

Research Strengths

The Division of Gender Studies is internationally recognized for its work in:

• Feminist theory
• Queer and trans studies
• Postcolonial and decolonial methodologies
• Intersectional gender and sexuality research
• Critical and interdisciplinary social analysis

Researchers in the division explore gender and sexuality in both global and local contexts, combining strong theoretical frameworks with empirically grounded research.

Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the division’s established research themes.

PhD Project: Gender Struggles in the New Conjuncture

The successful candidate will join the research project Gender Struggles in the New Conjuncture: Gender, Sexuality and the Future of Human Rights in the 21st Century, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.

Project Focus

The project investigates:

• Feminist mobilizations across Europe
• LGBTQ+ movements advocating expanded rights
• Anti-gender movements opposing these advancements
• The impact of these struggles on democracy and human rights

At a time of democratic decline in parts of Europe, the project examines how opposing gender movements shape political agendas, social visions, and normative foundations for the future.

Research Responsibilities

The PhD student will:

• Conduct independent research within the project framework
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team
• Study gender struggles both online and offline
• Analyze feminist, LGBTQ+, and anti-gender mobilizations
• Engage in departmental seminars and academic activities

Research may focus on Western, Southern, Central, Northern, and/or Eastern Europe, or transnational contexts.

Advanced knowledge of at least one relevant regional language and strong familiarity with the socio-political context of the selected research area are required.

Employment Terms and Duration

• Type of employment: Temporary doctoral studentship
• Duration: Four years (full-time, 100%)
• Possible extension: Up to five years if including up to 20% teaching or departmental duties
• Salary: Monthly salary in accordance with Swedish doctoral regulations
• Location: Lund, Skåne County, Sweden
• Reference number: PA2026/482

Doctoral employment is regulated under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for third-cycle (doctoral) studies, applicants must:

• Hold a second-cycle degree (Master’s or equivalent)
• Have completed at least 240 ECTS credits, including 60 at advanced level
• Or possess equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad

Special Eligibility in Gender Studies

Applicants must have:

• At least 30 ECTS credits in Gender Studies at advanced level
• At least 15 ECTS credits consisting of a Master’s thesis or equivalent graduate-level research

Only candidates admitted to doctoral studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

Required Qualifications and Skills

The strongest candidates will demonstrate:

• A Master’s degree in Gender Studies or equivalent
• Proven ability to conduct high-quality research
• Experience with ethnographic fieldwork or digital network analysis
• Advanced knowledge of at least one relevant European language
• Strong understanding of socio-political contexts in Europe
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

The primary assessment criterion is the applicant’s ability and potential to conduct advanced academic research.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application including:

• Research plan (maximum 5 pages, excluding references)
• Personal letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Academic diplomas
• Contact details for two referees
• Master’s thesis or equivalent
• Relevant publications or academic work

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

About the Department of Sociology

The Department of Sociology at Lund University includes three disciplines:

• Sociology
• Social Anthropology
• Gender Studies

The department conducts empirical studies of contemporary social issues while contributing to theoretical and methodological development in the social sciences.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is one of Sweden’s leading research and education institutions, operating in both Lund and Helsingborg.

Key Dates and Contact Information

• Published: 10 February 2026
• Application deadline: 10 March 2026
• Start date: 1 September 2026

For academic inquiries, applicants may contact:

• Mia Liinason
• Johanna Dahlin

Union representatives are available through OFR/ST, SACO-S, and SEKO Civil.

Why Apply for a PhD in Gender Studies at Lund University?

This PhD opportunity in Sweden offers:

• Full-time funded doctoral employment
• Participation in a major European research project
• Access to a leading interdisciplinary gender research environment
• International academic collaboration
• Engagement with urgent questions about democracy, human rights, and gender politics

For candidates seeking a fully funded PhD in Gender Studies in Europe in 2026, this position at Lund University provides a highly competitive and intellectually dynamic research environment.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the scholarships. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.