Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of over SEK 2.3 billion. We are more than 1,800 employees and have nearly 21,600 students.We are looking for a PhD student in political science with an interest in sustainable natural resource management. You will be part of a newly started research program, MiningBrines. The program offers innovative research training to meet Europe's strategic needs for sustainable access to critical raw materials, energy gases and renewable energy. The programme will engage 19 PhD students in political science, geosciences, biogeochemistry, artificial intelligence and economics. The programme emphasizes a collaborative doctoral education to meet the increasing need for qualified professionals who can transform geothermal multi-resources into a key driver of Europe's green transition. Subject description For the established subject description see established research subjects Project description The overall aim of this PhD project is to analyze the various epistemic, economic, legal, political and social acceptance issues related to brine extraction projects through established qualitative and quantitative methods based on public opinion and local attitudes. The project comprises three main tasks: a) Identify key socio-economic and environmental factors in ongoing brine extraction, b) Integrate factors (socio-demographic, technological, resource-related), attitudes and values that influence the acceptability of multi-resource extraction projects into a model, and c) Use the model to assess impacts on the acceptability of brine extraction. You will have the opportunity to select the appropriate theory and make decisions on the operationalization of variables, methods and analysis. Although the tasks and objectives of the project are defined, you are encouraged to develop your own research questions and methodological approaches. Duties and responsibilities You will participate in MiningBrine joint program activities. Within your own subject of political science, you will be given an individual study plan to follow. As a PhD student, you are expected to actively participate in the department's research environment, which means that you will practice scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and elective postgraduate courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the role of a teacher. The location is Luleå, but the doctoral studies also mean that you will take courses elsewhere, as well as undertake study trips and conference trips to promote the development of valuable contacts, both in Sweden and internationally. You will also be given opportunities to work with and influence the activities of the department and the division. The work as a PhD student is problem-based. You will develop your skills to identify, delimit, formulate and address political science and interdisciplinary problems. You will also develop your skills in working with theoretical and analytical issues. Qualifications To be admitted to the PhD program in Political Science at Luleå University of Technology, you must have a Master's degree in Political Science or a closely related subject, as well as very good knowledge of oral and written communication in Swedish and English. Selection and ranking among the applicants is made with regard to the ability to assimilate education at the doctoral level. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of the merits presented regarding depth and breadth of their education and on their critical and analytical ability regarding scientific production, such as degree projects from undergraduate and advanced level and any other written scientific production. Experience of scientific writing and an understanding of and interest in issues related to natural resource management in relation to ecologically, socially and economically sustainable development is an advantage. In addition to the above, the following are merits for the position: - Strong grounding in political science theory and methods. - Interest and ability to work across disciplinary boundaries. - Knowledge of natural resource policy and management, especially in relation to legitimacy, equity and acceptance. - Ability to operationalize acceptance variables in quantitative and qualitative methods. - Interest in developing advanced quantitative methodological skills (using for example R or Python). - Good collaboration and initiative skills. For further information on specific doctoral training, see the Doctoral Training Curricula Information on the PhD Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years. Teaching and other departmental duties are added with up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. The expected start date of the position is September 2026. For further information, please contact: Gregory Poelzer, Assistant Professor, 0920-49 2918, gregory.poelzer@ltu.se Felicia Robertson, Postdoctoral Fellow, felicia.robertson@ltu.se Simon Matti, Professor and Head of Department, 0920-49 2331,simon.matti@ltu.se Jerry Blomberg, Head of Department, 0920-49 2335, jerry.blomberg@ltu.se Trade union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037, diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920- 49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se For full advertisement visit ltu.se/lediga jobb How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Reference number: 2541-2026 Deadline for applications: April 26, 2026