Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.
We are recruiting a postdoctoral fellow in rhetoric with a focus on teaching-materials studies from a cross-cultural perspective. The position is intended for applicants with a background in rhetoric or another relevant discipline that includes knowledge of rhetorical theory and practice, such as language studies, media and communication studies, didactics, and/or pedagogy.
As a postdoctoral fellow in rhetoric, you will primarily be part of the research environment in Rhetoric at Section 6 of the Centre for Languages and Literature (SOL). The rhetoric environment in Lund has a strong network, both internationally and within Scandinavia. As a postdoctoral fellow, you will take part in and help shape the seminar activities, and you will have the opportunity to participate in national and international subject conferences together with other colleagues. In addition, you will be able to contribute to the development of teaching within the subject of rhetoric, for example by introducing themes from your research into our various courses.
The research environment in Rhetoric at the Centre for Languages and Literature emphasizes the historical influence and contemporary potential of classical rhetoric. This includes research projects that critically and constructively examine communicative challenges and opportunities in today's society. Central research areas include the educational tradition of rhetoric, argumentation in theory and practice, in situ rhetoric, textbook studies, and democratic education. The research is conducted using qualitative and exploratory methods, such as rhetorical criticism and action research.
You apply for the position by submitting a proposal for a research project that clearly contributes to illuminating rhetoric as a subject in modern teaching materials from a cross-cultural perspective. The project may, for instance, focus on practical rhetoric handbooks in different cultural contexts or on school textbooks used in various educational systems. Your research project may also address other areas of rhetoric education, such as law, extracurricular activities, or informal learning situations outside established educational institutions. We welcome proposals in which selected classical rhetorical concepts (e.g. techne, dunamis, ethopoeia, controversia) play a central role, as well as proposals that include a research design based on mixed methods.
You will work on your own proposed project in collaboration with colleagues in rhetoric and related fields. You will be assigned a mentor and offered support for your continued academic career.
In addition to your own research project, you will help organize seminars and contribute to building various networks. Together with colleagues in rhetoric and related disciplines, you will establish contacts and develop national and international scholarly collaborations.
You are expected to take part in the research environment through active participation in seminars and other research-related activities. The position requires regular presence at the workplace.
Within the framework of the employment, you are expected to write the equivalent of at least two refereed scientific articles or one refereed scientific monograph.
The position is a career development post, and its purpose is to act as an initial step on a career path by providing the opportunity to to deepen and broaden your research expertise. The position also includes some pedagogical training. Teaching, supervision and other teaching-related duties may also be included in the duties, but up to a maximum of one-fifth of the working time.
As a Postdoc you are given/provided an opportunity to develop your independence as a researcher with the support of senior colleagues. The appointment is limited to three years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow. International employees are supported in their move to Sweden. If you have a family, they will find new contacts and support through Lund’s International Citizen Hub.
Lund University is a government agency, which means that you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favourable occupational pension. Find out more on the University website about working with us Work for us | Lund University
Ready to shape the future of research? Find more reasons why Lund University and the HT Faculties is right for you here, and learn more about Working in Lund, Moving to Lund and Living in Lund.
The assessment will primarily be based on your research merits and your potential as a researcher. Particular emphasis will be placed on research competence within the subject area.
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doctoral degree or equivalent international degree in Rhetoric or another related discipline that includes knowledge of rhetoric in theory and practice, e.g. language subjects, media and communication studies, didactics and/or pedagogy. This requirement must be fulfilled no later than the date on which the employment decision is made, and as an applicant, you are responsible for supplementing your application with documentation that confirms the completed doctoral degree
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good ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
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teaching skills
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you have not previously been employed as a postdoc researcher under the existing agreement on fixed-term postdoc employment for more than one year in the same or a related subject area with Lund University.
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good command of written and spoken English and sufficient knowledge of languages relevant to the proposed research project
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completed doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline. If there are special circumstances such as leave of absence because of illness, parental leave, position as elected representative in trade union organisations, military service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area, this time can be deducted from the time elapsed since the doctoral degree was completed.
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documented experience in research relevant to the focus of the position
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documented experience of work in research projects
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documented experience of participating in interdisciplinary and international research collaboration
The appointment is limited to three years and is full time in accordance with the Agreement regarding fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow.
Your application should be written in English or Swedish.
As part of your application, you are to attach a research plan. Your research plan should relate to the subject described above. In addition to the research plan, it is possible to submit up to 5 publications.
You can find instructions on how to compile an application here: How to apply for a postdoc position at the Joint Faculties of Humanity and Theology | The joint faculties of humanities and theology.
For questions regarding duties and areas of responsibility, please contact Professor Christina Matthiesen | Centre for Languages and Literature. For questions regarding employment conditions, please contact Head of Section Arthur Holmer | Centre for Languages and Literature. Due to holidays, enquiries will be answered before 20 July or after 9 August.
About The Joint Faculties of the Humanities and Theology
The Joint Faculties of the Humanities and Theology have seven departments and carries out large and varied work within research and education with the purpose to understand people as cultural and social beings. The faculties have around 700 employees and around 4000 students.
About the Centre for Languages and Literature
The Centre for Languages and Literature (SOL) is Sweden's largest institution specialising in languages, linguistics, comparative literature and area studies. SOL offers a large number of independent courses complemented by a growing number of undergraduate and graduate programmes. With 36 subjects and some 30 postgraduate programmes, SOL forms a solid unit with breadth and depth in teaching and research and is distinguished by both national and international visibility. SOL is led by a board of which the Head of Department is chairman. In addition, there are three Assistant Heads of Department with special operational responsibilities. The centre has 300 employees and 8 000 students including around 100 doctoral students.
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Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning | Anställningens omfattning: heltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 | Ort: Lund | Län: Skåne län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: PA2026/1834 | Kontakt: Arthur Holmer , Christina Matthiesen , | Facklig företrädare: SEKO: Seko Civil 046-2229366, OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet 046-2220000, | Publicerat: 2026-06-10 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-08-31
