Umeå University, Faculty of Social Sciences

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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.

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Postdoctoral researcher in psychology with a focus on environment and sustainability

The Department of Psychology offers an active and creative research and education environment for both employees and students. Further information about the activities conducted at the department is available on our website www.umu.se/institutionen-for-psykologi. The Department of Psychology is now recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the research project The social foundation for acceptance of climate adapted forest management.

The latest start date is 31 March 2027, or earlier by agreement.

The position

The appointment is full-time for two years. The position includes independent research corresponding to 100 percent of working time.

The position is based at the Department of Psychology within the project The social foundation for acceptance of climate adapted forest management.

The aim of the research project is to study acceptance of climate-adapted forest management among different groups in Sweden. The project is based on theory and research on social identity and other collective processes, such as social norms and shared goals, in order to understand acceptance of climate-adapted forest management. The work includes both analyses of survey data and the implementation and analysis of an experimental study. The research project is funded by the Marianne and Marcus Wallenberg Foundation and is part of Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (WIFORCE) in humanities and social sciences (WIFORCE-HS).

Job description and terms of employment

An appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is intended to provide the employee with the opportunity to develop independence as a researcher after completing a doctoral degree and to create conditions for further qualification.

Eligibility

Eligible for appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a person who has completed a doctoral degree, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in a relevant subject area, such as behavioral science in a broad sense or research focusing on social science perspectives on forests or sustainability. The degree must have been completed no later than the date on which the employment decision is made.

Since employment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we primarily target candidates whose doctoral degree was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special grounds, candidates who completed their doctoral degree earlier may also be considered. Special grounds include leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical service, elected positions in trade union organizations or other similar circumstances, as well as service or assignments relevant to the subject area.

No prior employment as a postdoctoral researcher, under the postdoctoral agreement, for more than one year within the same or a closely related subject area at Umeå University.

Assessment criteria

A doctoral degree in psychology or another relevant subject area, such as behavioral science in a broad sense or research focusing on social science perspectives on forests or sustainability.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate very good communication skills in English, both spoken and written, as well as a clear motivation to pursue an academic career. The ability to work independently, take initiative and collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary and international research environments is particularly meritorious. Additional merits of particular importance include documented ability to integrate behavioral science concepts into research on identity and acceptance, experience of writing scientific manuscripts, and advanced, documented skills in quantitative methods and statistical analysis. Knowledge of Swedish is also meritorious.

A complete application should include:

A cover letter with a brief description, approximately two pages, of your research interests in relation to the research focus described above, and how your expertise fits the position.
Curriculum Vitae (CV), including a complete list of publications.
A two-page research statement describing how you can become an integrated part of the research team in the work on the project.
Doctoral degree certificate and/or other relevant degree certificates and transcripts.
Your doctoral thesis and a maximum of five relevant scientific publications.
Contact details for two referees.
Any other information relevant to your application.

Submitted documents must be in Word or PDF format.

If you complete your doctoral degree after the application deadline, please upload information about the planned examination and the expected examination date.

Further information is available from Louise Eriksson, louise.eriksson@umu.se, telephone: +46-90-786 56 96, or Annika Nordlund, annika.nordlund@umu.se, telephone: +46-90-786 78 30.

Start date no later than 31 March 2027, or no earlier than 1 January 2027, by agreement.

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi. The application deadline is 13 November 2026.

Postdoctor in psychology with a focus on environment and sustainability jobs

Postdoctor in psychology with a focus on environment and sustainability