Job: Fully funded Ph.D. positions in Musicology, Uppsala University (Deadline: 27.03.2026)

At the Department of Musicology, Uppsala University, we study and teach music from different periods and cultures from historical, aesthetic and cultural perspectives. The research profile and expertise at the department has had a certain focus on Swedish and European music history, but we welcome applicants from all areas of musicology including popular music studies, ethnomusicology, and other related fields. We have an international profile and welcome applicants with a degree and experience from academic milieus outside Sweden.

Doctoral studies extend over a 4-year period during which the PhD student will receive a salary as an employee at the department. Local salary rules will apply. The languages used at the department are Swedish and English.

The rules governing PhDs can be found in Higher Education Ordinance chapter §§ 5 1–7, and in the rules and regulations for Uppsala University: https://www.uu.se/en/staff/organisation-and-governance/regulations/guidelines-for-doctoral-studies-at-uppsala-university.

For more detailed information, see:https://www.uu.se/en/department/musicology/research/phd-programme

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties

Doctoral students are expected to engage in full-time study and research, and participate actively in the department’s seminar and other activities. Teaching and/or administrative tasks may be involved, up to a maximum of 20 %. The employment will in such cases be prolonged correspondingly. 

Requirements

To qualify for a doctoral position in Musicology at Uppsala University, a candidate should hold a Master’s degree (or Swedish “magister”) in Musicology. Applicants who have obtained qualifications and degrees equivalent or comparable to that level are also eligible to apply. Local guidelines and regulations can be found at the website of the Faculty of Arts: https://www.uu.se/en/faculty/arts/study/phd-studies. The PhD programme in Musicology is governed by the general study plan, found on the department website: https://www.uu.se/download/18.4f7017819beb26d0872bb7d/1770122754101/ASP_Musicology_20230530.pdf

Application should include:
• Degree certificates, relevant transcripts of grades, and dissertations.
• A brief cover letter describing yourself, why you wish to pursue doctoral studies, and why you think you will be a suitable candidate for the position announced.
• A preliminary research plan of less than 18 000 characters, including spaces. The research plan should describe and specify the inquiries or problems that the applicant wishes to engage with, and clarify the relevance of the study to previous scholarship. The plan should also include  brief sections on possible material and sources for the study, and on methodological and theoretical considerations.
• Brief CV, maximum one page, stating qualifications and general research interests.
• Publications (if any) and other relevant documents that the applicant wishes to be taken into considerance.
• Name and contact details for two referees, or two letters of recommendation.

In the application process the applicant’s dissertation on Master’s level is considered, alongside the research plan, where the applicant described the proposed topic of the thesis. In the assessment of the research plan, the level of reflection and research questions are considered in relation to previous and current scholarship, as are the possibilities for the applicant to pursue the project successfully.

Interviews may be undertaken throughout the entire application round.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 September 2026 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: 

Professor Lars Berglund, Director of doctoral studies, +46 18 4711566, email: lars.berglund@musik.uu.se, och Maria Schildt, Head of Department, +46 18 4716250, email: maria.schildt@musik.uu.se.

Please submit your application by March 27 2026, UFV-PA 2026/426.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.

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 Arts, Department of Musicology

Scope: Full time

Working hours: 100%

Type of employment: Temporary position

Number of positions: 2

Town: Uppsala

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2026/426

Last application date: 27 March 2026

Further information can be found here.