The Swedish Institute for North American Studies (SINAS) is a division within the Department of English. The institute’s primary purpose is to conduct and promote research and teaching in the field of North American studies, mainly focusing on the United States. We take broad humanistic and social science perspectives on U.S. society, history, and politics and have a special research profile focused on relations between Sweden and the United States.
The institute conducts teaching in the subject area at undergraduate and advanced levels, as well as its own research activities. SINAS has also developed significant activities aimed at disseminating knowledge, building networks, and generating interest in the field at Uppsala University and in Sweden, through seminars, workshops, lectures, symposia, and conferences. Since its founding, an important part of SINAS’s work has been to contribute to public knowledge about the United States in collaboration with the wider community.
Description of the subject area
North American Studies is an international and interdisciplinary field of research that has developed in both the United States and Europe since the mid-20th century. The complexity and change of U.S. society over time, from various perspectives, theories, and methodologies, are central to the field. A prominent theme within the discipline has been so-called “transnational American studies,” which, through a focus on the United States, emphasizes its global connections and transnational relationships.
Duties
This position aims to develop new research related to North America, including its global relations. We welcome research proposals within any topic relevant to SINAS’s activities, such as studies of history, society, and politics. The field of North American Studies is particularly well suited to interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.
An objective of the position should be to generate concrete research initiatives, such as applications for research funding and/or the establishment of research networks.
The appointment comprises 50% employment for six months. The primary duty is research. Some administrative tasks may also be included.
The holder of the research position is expected to participate in SINAS’s regular activities on site in Uppsala. This includes participation in regular meetings and seminars.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for employment as a researcher in North American Studies, applicants must hold a relevant doctoral degree in a humanities or social science discipline, and their proposed research must fall within the field of North American Studies.
Priority will be given to applicants who obtained their doctoral degree no more than seven years before the application deadline. As the position may involve collaboration and outreach activities, knowledge of Swedish and documented good collaborative skills are required.
Proficiency in English is required for the position.
Assessment criteria for candidates who meet the eligibility requirements
Among qualified applicants, particular emphasis will be placed on research qualifications and the quality of the research proposal. In assessing the research proposal, consideration will be given to the project’s scholarly potential, originality, relevance, and feasibility. The project’s relation to the SINAS research environment will also be considered.
As the position is intended to initiate new research, the research qualifications will primarily be assessed qualitatively. A quantitative advantage resulting from a longer academic career should not be decisive.
Period of Employment
The period of employment is from August 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027.
Application Procedure
All qualifications must be documented in a way that makes it possible to assess their quality and scope. The application, which may be in English or Swedish, must be completed by the deadline. It must be submitted through Uppsala University’s electronic recruitment system Varbi and should contain the following:
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Cover letter (max. 1 page)
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CV (max. 3 pages)
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Publication list
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Description of research idea, including a plan for implementation (max. 3 pages)
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Full-text publications or other works relevant to the position (max. 3)
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Diplomas, degree certificates and other relevant documents
The recruitment committee may use interviews and references. Applicants should therefore include a list of references (no more than three) who can comment on the applicant’s professional competence and personal qualities relevant to the position.
Any cited publications not available electronically should be submitted in two copies to: Uppsala University, Faculty of Languages, Box 256, 751 05 Uppsala, Sweden. Mark the package with reference number UFV-PA 2026/1839.
For further information about the position, please contact Adam Hjorthén, [email protected] (director of SINAS), or Christer Larsson, [email protected] (head of department).
About the position
Fixed-term employment. The position comprises 50% employment during the period 1 August 2026 to 31 January 2027. Location: Uppsala.
Starting date: 1 August 2026 (or as agreed)
Deadline for application: 12 June 2026.
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 Universityhttps://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.
Anställningsform: särskild visstidsanställning | Anställningens omfattning: deltid | Antal lediga befattningar: 1 | Sysselsättningsgrad: 50% | Ort: Uppsala | Län: Uppsala län | Land: Sweden | Referensnummer: UFV-PA 2026/1839 | Facklig företrädare: Seko Universitetsklubben
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[email protected], | Publicerat: 2026-05-28 | Sista ansökningsdag: 2026-06-12
