Uppsala University Research Assistant Jobs 2026 in Sweden | Fully Funded Peace and Conflict Research Opportunity

The Department of Peace and Conflict Research at Uppsala University is currently inviting applications for two full-time Research Assistant positions under an exciting international research project titled “Why Evictions Turn Violent: The Politics of Growing Cities.” The opportunity is based in Uppsala, Sweden, and offers selected candidates the chance to work closely with leading researchers on conflict, urban violence, and forced evictions in Ethiopia and Kenya.

The six-month employment opportunity will begin on 1 September 2026 or as agreed, and applications are open until 5 June 2026.

Applicants interested in peacebuilding, urban governance, development studies, African politics, conflict analysis, and data-driven research should strongly consider applying for this opportunity.

About Uppsala University

Uppsala University is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious research institutions. The university is internationally recognized for excellence in education and research and currently hosts over 53,000 students and 7,600 employees.

The university’s Department of Peace and Conflict Research was established in 1971 and has become a globally respected center for peace research and conflict studies. Every year, the department enrolls around 1,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

The department focuses on producing impactful research that contributes to global peace, conflict prevention, and social transformation.

 

About the Research Project

The project “Why Evictions Turn Violent: The Politics of Growing Cities” is led by researcher Emma Elfversson and funded by the Swedish Research Council.

The project officially began in January 2026 and will continue through 2029. Its primary objective is to investigate why forced evictions in rapidly growing cities sometimes escalate into violence.

Researchers will conduct:

• Large-scale quantitative analyses of forced eviction data
• Comparative urban conflict studies
• Case studies from Ethiopia and Kenya
• Detailed examination of eviction-related violence dynamics

The project specifically focuses on ten major and secondary cities across the two countries, where forced evictions have become increasingly significant political and social issues.

What Will the Research Assistants Do?

Selected applicants will primarily support the project through extensive data collection and research activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collecting and coding fine-grained data related to forced evictions
• Analyzing secondary sources and reports
• Working with urban conflict and violence datasets
• Supporting administrative and project management tasks
• Assisting with workshops and project coordination
• Participating in writing and documentation activities
• Collaborating with project researchers and fellow research assistants

The work will be conducted onsite in Uppsala, Sweden, and the assistants will report directly to the project leader.

Required Qualifications

To qualify for the research assistant positions, applicants must possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree
• Strong academic knowledge in peace and conflict studies, development studies, or another relevant discipline
• Basic software proficiency, especially in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent spoken and written English skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, the following qualifications will significantly strengthen an application:

• Fluency or advanced knowledge of Amharic, Kiswahili, or another Ethiopian language
• Master’s-level studies in peace and conflict or related fields
• Previous experience with conflict-related data collection or coding
• Experience researching Ethiopia and/or Kenya
• Knowledge of GIS analysis
• Familiarity with statistical software such as R

The project places high value on applicants who can work with local-language sources from the study regions.

Employment Details

Here are the key employment details for the opportunity:

• Position: Research Assistant
• Number of Positions: 2
• Employment Type: Temporary Full-Time
• Duration: 6 Months
• Start Date: 1 September 2026 or as agreed
• Latest Possible Start Date: 1 October 2026
• Location: Uppsala, Sweden
• Working Hours: 100%
• Salary: Individual salary arrangement

The position may also require security vetting before employment is finalized.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Responses to the two mandatory application questions
• A detailed CV
• Clear description of language skills
• A relevant academic writing sample such as a thesis or research paper

Applicants are encouraged to clearly highlight:

• Research experience
• Data analysis skills
• Language abilities
• Regional expertise related to Ethiopia or Kenya

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Uppsala University Research Assistant positions is:

5 June 2026

Applicants should ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline through the university’s recruitment portal.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official recruitment system of Uppsala University

 

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity offers young researchers and graduates a rare chance to gain hands-on international research experience in one of Europe’s leading peace research institutions.

Benefits include:

• International research exposure
• Professional experience in conflict and urban studies
• Collaboration with globally recognized researchers
• Advanced data collection and analysis experience
• Opportunity to work in Sweden
• Networking opportunities in academia and policy research
• Strong career development for future postgraduate or research pathways

Deadline: 

5th June,2026.

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