About this role
Read more about War Studies here.
The Swedish Defence University is now seeking two PhD candidates in War Studies with support from the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS).
**Job Description**
The doctoral education consists of 4 years of full-time studies (240 ECTS credits). The central task is to write a doctoral dissertation in War Studies under supervision (180 ECTS credits), but courses (60 ECTS credits) are also included in the program. The PhD position is fully funded for four years. The duties may also include teaching and other departmental service for up to 20 percent of the working time, resulting in an extension of the employment for the equivalent period. With departmental service, the total employment period may be a maximum of five years. Read more about the doctoral education in War Studies here.
**Eligibility**
To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have both general and specific eligibility.
**General eligibility** is met by those who have obtained a degree at the advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits at the advanced level, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way, within or outside the country.
**Specific eligibility** is met by those who have passed courses totaling 90 ECTS credits in a social science (or equivalent) subject, of which at least 30 ECTS credits in War Studies or a related subject, such as international relations, peace and conflict studies, security studies, or political science. Additionally, sufficient knowledge of English is required to benefit from the doctoral education.
**Assessment Criteria**
Selection among applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be based on their ability to benefit from the education and will consider the following assessment criteria:
• The quality of previous scientific work and dissertation plan, regarding independence, methodological clarity and theoretical awareness, analytical ability, critical approach, and ability to communicate clearly.
• The quality and relevance of previous advanced-level education, the relevance of the dissertation topic, and other merits significant for the education.
The selection will be based on a weighted assessment of the above. As a basis for assessing the scientific quality of previous work, one or more independently authored essays or equivalent in Swedish, English, Danish, or Norwegian, or translated into one of these languages, are required.
Completion of professional officer training is an asset.
**Application**
Applications should be submitted via the Swedish Defence University's recruitment system by clicking on the link “Log in and apply for the job” on the advertisement page. Read more about the admission process here.
Label your application with reference number Ö 694/2025.
A complete application must be received by the Swedish Defence University no later than midnight on the last application day, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
Only complete applications will be processed. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete and in accordance with what is stated in the advertisement. The application should preferably be written in English but may also be written in Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian. Authorized translations must be attached for documents in other languages. Applicants may be invited for interviews in early 2026, with the aim of making decisions on employment and admission to the doctoral program well before the autumn semester of 2026.
**About the Employment**
The position as a PhD candidate is a full-time role. The employment is temporary and regulated according to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5. The PhD position is placed at the Department of War Studies (IKV).
Employment as a PhD candidate at the Swedish Defence University entails a salary placement according to the applicable starting salary in the PhD salary scale, which is currently 31,500 SEK/month.
For PhD candidates who are professional officers with a basic employment in the Swedish Armed Forces, conditions are regulated in the Local Collective Agreement on Salary Setting for Military PhD Candidates. When employed as a PhD candidate at the Swedish Defence University, the professional officer retains their base salary.
In addition to the salary, the PhD candidate can allocate a sum for travel, literature, and other expenses relevant to the education. This sum amounts to a maximum of 30,000 SEK per year.
The Swedish Defence University strives for gender equality and diversity within all professional groups. We welcome applicants from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. In the current employment category, the majority of employees are men, which is why we particularly encourage women to apply. We are committed to an inclusive work environment where our employees can combine work with active parenthood.
Employment at the Swedish Defence University may involve a security clearance according to the Security Protection Act (2018:55).
The employment may include military placement. If you are already military-placed in your current employment at an authority and your competence is needed in the Swedish Defence University's military organization, negotiations will take place between the relevant authority and the Swedish Defence University regarding your placement.
We welcome