If you are passionate about migration studies, diversity, inclusion, social sciences, and quantitative research, Malmö University is offering an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully funded doctoral studentship in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER). This prestigious PhD position is hosted by the Department of Global Political Studies within the Faculty of Culture and Society and provides aspiring researchers with the chance to contribute to one of Sweden’s leading migration research environments.

The doctoral studentship is closely linked to the Migration Society 2.0 research programme and the internationally recognized Malmö Institute for Migration Studies (MIM). Successful applicants will undertake an independent research project focused on survey studies of diversity and inclusion while participating in a vibrant interdisciplinary research community.

The programme is designed for candidates who wish to build careers in academia, research, public policy, migration studies, international development, or social sciences.

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

About Malmö University

Malmö University is one of Sweden’s most innovative and internationally oriented higher education institutions. Located in the vibrant city of Malmö, the university brings together scholars, researchers, educators, and professionals from around the world to produce high-quality education and research that contributes to societal development.

The university promotes collaboration across disciplines and values diversity, equality, innovation, and inclusion. Employees and doctoral students benefit from an international academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary research and strong engagement with society.

About the Doctoral Position

The Department of Global Political Studies (GPS) is seeking one doctoral student in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER).

The selected candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary research environment dedicated to understanding migration, ethnicity, integration, governance, politics, identity, and global social change.

The doctoral project will focus on survey-based research exploring diversity and inclusion within Sweden through the Migration Society 2.0 programme.

Research Focus: Diversity and Inclusion Survey Studies

The doctoral research is part of the ambitious Migration Society 2.0 research programme, which seeks to deepen understanding of the increasingly diverse nature of Swedish society.

The project investigates the concept of superdiversity, recognizing that modern migration has created societies characterized not only by increasing numbers of migrants but also by growing diversity in:

• Ethnicity
• National origin
• Migration pathways
• Legal status
• Gender
• Age
• Language
• Religion
• Social class
• Sexuality
• Transnational connections

To better understand these societal transformations, Malmö University is developing a large-scale Diversity and Inclusion Survey, which will be repeated every two years to create an expanding database for future research.

The survey will collect self-identified information relating to:

• Ethnicity
• Gender identity
• Religion
• Language
• Sexual orientation
• Social status
• Sense of belonging
• Attitudes toward other groups
• Perceptions of social institutions
• Experiences of inclusion and exclusion

The successful doctoral student will design and conduct an original research project using data generated from this survey.

Applicants are expected to submit a strong research proposal demonstrating theoretical originality, methodological rigor, and a clear vision for investigating diversity and inclusion through survey-based research.

About the IMER Doctoral Programme

The Doctoral Programme in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) is an interdisciplinary programme examining migration and its consequences from structural, institutional, collective, and individual perspectives.

Researchers within IMER explore topics including:

• International migration
• Refugee movements
• Integration
• Ethnic relations
• Identity
• Social inclusion
• Governance
• Citizenship
• Social inequality
• Cultural diversity
• Global mobility

The programme integrates knowledge from numerous disciplines, including:

• Sociology
• Political Science
• Anthropology
• Cultural Geography
• Economics
• Economic History
• History
• Social Work
• Gender Studies
• Religious Studies
• Ethnology
• Cultural Studies

Programme Structure

The doctoral programme comprises 240 higher education credits, equivalent to four years of full-time study.

The programme includes:

• 60 credits of doctoral coursework
• 180-credit independent doctoral dissertation
• Active participation in seminars
• Research meetings
• Departmental activities
• Collaboration with fellow researchers
• Public defense of the doctoral dissertation

Doctoral students are expected to actively contribute to the academic environment at Malmö University and the Malmö Institute for Migration Studies.

Employment Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the doctoral student is to pursue doctoral studies and conduct independent research.

However, doctoral students may also contribute to:

• Teaching
• Educational activities
• Research assistance
• Academic administration

These additional responsibilities cannot exceed 20% of a full-time position, in accordance with Sweden’s Higher Education Ordinance.

Research Environment

The successful applicant will become part of the internationally renowned Malmö Institute for Migration Studies (MIM).

Established in 2007, MIM serves as a leading international research centre focusing on migration studies. It brings together senior and junior researchers while maintaining collaborations with scholars from around the world.

The institute regularly hosts internationally recognized professors and promotes interdisciplinary research addressing migration, diversity, and inclusion.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy both the general and specific entry requirements for doctoral studies.

General Entry Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Hold a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification.
• Have completed at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 credits at second-cycle level.
• Possess substantially equivalent qualifications obtained in Sweden or abroad.

Specific Entry Requirements

Applicants should possess academic qualifications equivalent to a second-cycle degree in:

• International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER), or
• Another discipline closely related to IMER.

Relevant academic backgrounds include:

• Sociology
• Political Science
• Anthropology
• Cultural Geography
• Economics
• Economic History
• History
• Social Work
• Ethnology
• Religious Studies
• Gender Studies
• Cultural Studies

Selection Criteria

Admission is based on the applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral education.

Selection will consider:

1. Independent analytical ability.
2. Originality of previous academic work.
3. Quality of the proposed research plan.
4. Clarity of research questions.
5. Theoretical understanding.
6. Methodological competence.
7. Scholarly maturity.
8. Ability to conduct independent research.

Additional advantages include:

• Knowledge of quantitative research methods.
• Statistical analysis skills.
• Survey methodology experience.
• Experience using statistical software.
• Database management experience.
• Data visualization expertise.
• Experience working with register or survey datasets.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application that includes:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified academic transcripts and diplomas
• Relevant certificates
• Research plan (maximum 3,000 words excluding references)
• Master’s thesis or equivalent independent research work
• Personal letter (maximum 500 words) highlighting research experience, academic interests, and experience working with survey data

Applications may be submitted in:

• English
• Swedish
• Any Nordic language

Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documents are translated where necessary.

Employment Conditions

The doctoral studentship offers:

• Four years of full-time doctoral study
• Fixed-term doctoral employment
• Salary according to Malmö University’s doctoral salary agreement
• Possibility of teaching and academic duties (up to 20%)
• Access to Sweden’s internationally recognized research environment
• Academic supervision
• Professional development opportunities
• International research collaboration

The initial appointment is normally for one year and may be extended in accordance with Swedish regulations.

Equality and Inclusion

Malmö University actively promotes equal opportunities and an inclusive academic environment.

The university encourages:

• Gender equality
• Equal opportunities for all applicants
• Support for doctoral students with disabilities
• Inclusive participation in research and education

Applicants from an underrepresented gender may receive priority when candidates are equally qualified.

International employees who do not speak Swedish are encouraged to learn the language over time to facilitate participation in university life.

Residence Permit Information

International students requiring a residence permit to study in Sweden must obtain a valid permit before commencing the programme.

Failure to secure the required residence permit before the start date may result in the admission being withdrawn.

Programme Start Date

1 February 2027

Why You Should Apply

This doctoral studentship provides an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on migration, diversity, and inclusion while studying at one of Europe’s leading migration research institutions.

Benefits include:

• Fully funded doctoral employment
• Four years of funded PhD study
• Monthly doctoral salary
• Participation in an internationally renowned research centre
• Access to large-scale survey datasets
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Academic supervision from leading migration scholars
• Strong international research networks
• Professional teaching and research experience
• Career preparation for academia, public policy, NGOs, and international organizations

Apply Here

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than 31 August 2026.

Candidates should ensure that all required documents are uploaded through Malmö University’s recruitment system before the deadline.

For more information, visit the official website.

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