PhD Position in Sociology

Lund University

Lund University – Department of Sociology of Law
Location: Lund, Sweden
Employment Type: Full-time, Temporary (4 years)
Start Date: September 2026
Reference Number: PA2025/3042
Application Deadline: January 31, 2026

Project Description

This doctoral project investigates how individuals and communities in Central Asia pursue justice and rights outside formal legal channels and institutions, using informal negotiations and everyday social interactions. It explores “outside the law” legal mobilization, covert resistance strategies, and grassroots justice initiatives within authoritarian legal landscapes.

The project is part of the SOCIAL Doctoral Network, funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe.

More information about the SOCIAL project:

Tasks and Responsibilities

As a doctoral student, you will be admitted to doctoral studies in sociology of law and employed at Lund University. Duties include:

  • Conducting independent research aligned with the project

  • Undertaking fieldwork in Central Asia

  • Completing two mandatory secondments (one academic, one non-academic) abroad

  • Participating in training events, workshops, and conferences organized by the SOCIAL Doctoral Network

  • Collaborating with international supervisors and peers

  • Contributing to departmental activities, including teaching and seminars (up to 20% of working hours)

Supervision: Rustamjon Urinboyev will serve as the principal supervisor.

Doctoral Programme

  • Total credits: 240 (equivalent to 4 years full-time study)

  • Primary focus: Dissertation research within sociology of law

  • May include teaching and administrative duties (up to 20% of working time)

  • Working language: Primarily English (basic Swedish proficiency expected)

PhD Handbook – Sociology of Law

Eligibility Requirements

General:

  • Completion of a second-cycle qualification (Master’s degree or equivalent)

  • Ability to benefit from doctoral studies

Specific:

  • Advanced degree in Sociology of Law or relevant subject

  • No prior doctoral degree or more than four years of full-time research experience

  • Must not have resided/worked in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment (per MSCA rules)

  • Minimum 240 credits, with at least 60 at the advanced level

  • At least 30 advanced-level credits in Sociology of Law, including a thesis of at least 15 credits

  • Excellent English (spoken and written)

  • Strong motivation, independence, collaboration, and communication skills

Merits / Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of legal sociology, governance, and authoritarian regimes

  • Experience with qualitative research and fieldwork

  • Knowledge of Central Asian legal and political contexts

  • Strong writing skills, self-motivation, and collaborative working style

Employment Details

  • Full-time (100%) for four years

  • Competitive MSCA salary, including mobility and family allowances

  • Joint supervision and intersectoral placements

  • Comprehensive training in research methods, ethics, Open Science, and transferable skills

  • Employment governed by the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  1. Cover letter (English, max 1,000 words)

  2. Thesis of at least 15 credits and other relevant publications (summary in English if necessary)

  3. CV in English

  4. Degree certificates and transcripts in English

  5. Research proposal (max 13,000 characters including spaces and references) aligned with the PhD project focus

  6. Names and contact details of two referees

  7. Writing sample (master’s thesis or published paper)

  8. Any additional supporting documents

Assessment: Based on eligibility, research plan, writing skills, motivation, and potential to benefit from the doctoral program. Top-ranked candidates will be invited for interviews.

Guidelines for Research Plan

Contacts

Union Representatives

Additional Information

  • Faculty of Social Sciences is one of Sweden’s leading education and research institutions

  • Sociology of Law focuses on law-society relations, including governance, AI, children’s rights, welfare, legal cultures, corruption, migration, financial security, and crime

  • The department collaborates across disciplines and with public authorities

  • Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged

Apply