Researcher in Sociology (Lund University)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. The Department of Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary unit within a larger division together with Sociology and Social Anthropology, situated at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University. We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher within the framework of the research project Gender Struggles in the New Conjuncture, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The project investigates a selection of anti-gender networks as well as feminist and LGBTQI+ networks in five European regions, aiming to capture the meanings of gender and sexuality in these actors’ tactics, political agendas, and social visions, as well as their impact on human rights, democracy, and civil society. You will be part of a committed and interdisciplinary team with a strong research profile and close collaboration among researchers. Scholars at the Department of Gender Studies are prominent in advancing and critically examining various understandings of gender and gender relations, and have a long-standing tradition of exploring gender and sexuality from intersectional, postcolonial, and interdisciplinary perspectives in both global and local contexts. Project Description The purpose of the central research project is to investigate how struggles over gender and sexuality shape contemporary political and social landscapes in Europe. The project examines both feminist and LGBTQI+ movements advocating for expanded rights, as well as hybrid alliances between anti-gender networks, religious fundamentalists, conservatives, and far-right movements opposing these advancements. The research project aims to contribute new knowledge about the emerging normative foundations of society in the wake of today’s divergent mobilizations. The project is led by Professor Mia Liinason. We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research within the project, both individually and in collaboration with the research group. The position requires prior experience with ethnographic fieldwork or digital network analysis, as well as advanced knowledge of language and sociopolitical contexts in Southern Europe. Duties and Responsibilities As a postdoctoral researcher, you will: Conduct ethnographic fieldwork focusing on anti-gender networks and feminist and LGBTQI+ communities based in or rooted in Southern Europe. Collect and analyze high-quality data, both on digital platforms and offline. Develop your own research questions within the framework of the project. Participate in regular project meetings and collaborate closely with other members of the research group. Author scientific articles, both independently and collaboratively. Teach up to 20% of your working time. Qualifications Requirements for the position: PhD in Gender Studies or another social science discipline (the dissertation must be completed before the hiring decision). Documented experience in digital ethnography or digital network analysis. Advanced knowledge of language and sociopolitical contexts in Southern Europe. Advanced proficiency in at least one of the following languages—Italian, Spanish, Portuguese—is essential for conducting the research. Strong ability to develop and carry out high-quality research. Excellent command of English, both spoken and written. Ability to work independently and in a team. Analytical sharpness, creativity, and responsibility. Additional qualifications may be considered meritorious: PhD awarded no more than three years before the application deadline (exceptions may be made for special reasons). Experience in research on digital cultures. Proficiency in AI methods (e.g., NLP techniques, machine learning, and large language models, LLMs)—including web scraping, text mining, and neural networks. Strong teaching skills and experience. Experience in co-authorship and scientific collaboration. We Offer Lund University is a government agency, which means special benefits such as generous vacation, parental leave, and occupational pension. The department also offers a creative and inclusive work environment with good opportunities for professional development. About the Position Type of employment: Fixed-term employment according to the postdoctoral agreement Employment level: Full-time (80% research and 20% teaching) Duration: Two years Additional Information: You are expected to be present on campus in Lund during the employment period to actively participate in project meetings and contribute to the research environment. How to Apply Apply via Lund University's recruitment portal. The application must include: Cover letter (max 2 pages) CV including publication list and copies of degree certificates Doctoral thesis and 1–3 scientific publications (including specification of author contributions in co-authored works) A research plan presenting the proposed research area within the framework of the overarching project “Gender Struggles in a Populist Time”, 3–5 pages, in Swedish or English, excluding references Contact information for two referees Incomplete applications will not be considered. The Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University is one of the leading education and research institutions in Sweden and operates both in Lund and Helsingborg. The Department of Sociology in Lund consists of three disciplines: sociology, social anthropology, and gender studies. What they have in common is that they try to understand and explain people and society in their social, cultural and historical context. The department's research includes empirical studies of central contemporary problems, critical social analysis, and the development of social science theories and methods. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts. Type of employment: Temporary position Contract type: Full time Number of positions: 1 Full-time equivalent: 100 City: Lund County: Skåne län Country: Sweden Reference number: PA2025/2805 Contact: Anna Melin – anna.melin@sam.lu.se Union representatives: OFR/ST: Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, st@st.lu.se SACO: Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366, sekocivil@seko.lu.se Published: 03 Oct 2025 Last application date: 12 Dec 2025 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The Department of Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary unit within a larger division together with Sociology and Social Anthropology, situated at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University.

We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher within the framework of the research project Gender Struggles in the New Conjuncture, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The project investigates a selection of anti-gender networks as well as feminist and LGBTQI+ networks in five European regions, aiming to capture the meanings of gender and sexuality in these actors’ tactics, political agendas, and social visions, as well as their impact on human rights, democracy, and civil society.

You will be part of a committed and interdisciplinary team with a strong research profile and close collaboration among researchers. Scholars at the Department of Gender Studies are prominent in advancing and critically examining various understandings of gender and gender relations, and have a long-standing tradition of exploring gender and sexuality from intersectional, postcolonial, and interdisciplinary perspectives in both global and local contexts.

Project Description

The purpose of the central research project is to investigate how struggles over gender and sexuality shape contemporary political and social landscapes in Europe. The project examines both feminist and LGBTQI+ movements advocating for expanded rights, as well as hybrid alliances between anti-gender networks, religious fundamentalists, conservatives, and far-right movements opposing these advancements. The research project aims to contribute new knowledge about the emerging normative foundations of society in the wake of today’s divergent mobilizations. The project is led by Professor Mia Liinason.

We are now seeking a postdoctoral researcher to conduct research within the project, both individually and in collaboration with the research group. The position requires prior experience with ethnographic fieldwork or digital network analysis, as well as advanced knowledge of language and sociopolitical contexts in Southern Europe.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

Conduct ethnographic fieldwork focusing on anti-gender networks and feminist and LGBTQI+ communities based in or rooted in Southern Europe.
Collect and analyze high-quality data, both on digital platforms and offline.
Develop your own research questions within the framework of the project.
Participate in regular project meetings and collaborate closely with other members of the research group.
Author scientific articles, both independently and collaboratively.
Teach up to 20% of your working time.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position:

PhD in Gender Studies or another social science discipline (the dissertation must be completed before the hiring decision).
Documented experience in digital ethnography or digital network analysis.
Advanced knowledge of language and sociopolitical contexts in Southern Europe.
Advanced proficiency in at least one of the following languages—Italian, Spanish, Portuguese—is essential for conducting the research.
Strong ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
Excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Analytical sharpness, creativity, and responsibility.

Additional qualifications may be considered meritorious:

PhD awarded no more than three years before the application deadline (exceptions may be made for special reasons).
Experience in research on digital cultures.
Proficiency in AI methods (e.g., NLP techniques, machine learning, and large language models, LLMs)—including web scraping, text mining, and neural networks.
Strong teaching skills and experience.
Experience in co-authorship and scientific collaboration.

We Offer

Lund University is a government agency, which means special benefits such as generous vacation, parental leave, and occupational pension. The department also offers a creative and inclusive work environment with good opportunities for professional development.

About the Position

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment according to the postdoctoral agreement
Employment level: Full-time (80% research and 20% teaching)
Duration: Two years

Additional Information:
You are expected to be present on campus in Lund during the employment period to actively participate in project meetings and contribute to the research environment.

How to Apply

Apply via Lund University's recruitment portal.

The application must include:

Cover letter (max 2 pages)
CV including publication list and copies of degree certificates
Doctoral thesis and 1–3 scientific publications (including specification of author contributions in co-authored works)
A research plan presenting the proposed research area within the framework of the overarching project “Gender Struggles in a Populist Time”, 3–5 pages, in Swedish or English, excluding references
Contact information for two referees

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Faculty of Social Sciences at Lund University is one of the leading education and research institutions in Sweden and operates both in Lund and Helsingborg.

The Department of Sociology in Lund consists of three disciplines: sociology, social anthropology, and gender studies. What they have in common is that they try to understand and explain people and society in their social, cultural and historical context. The department's research includes empirical studies of central contemporary problems, critical social analysis, and the development of social science theories and methods.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100
City: Lund
County: Skåne län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: PA2025/2805