Postdoctoral Students in Economics

Lund University

University: Lund University, School of Economics and Management
Department: Department of Economic History
Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (Maximum 4 years)
Start Date: 1 May 2026 (or as otherwise agreed)
Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
Reference Number: PA2026/35

University Overview

  • Lund University was founded in 1666 and is ranked among the world’s top universities.

  • Approximately 47,000 students and 8,800 staff are based in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö.

  • The School of Economics and Management has Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB).

  • The Department of Economic History employs ~80 staff and PhD candidates and has a large PhD program with an international focus.

Project Overview

Research Project: Taxation and Income Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Historical Comparative Analysis

The aim is to understand the conditions that promote effective use of tax revenue for reducing inequality in sub-Saharan Africa using a historical-comparative approach.

The PhD candidate will:

  • Contribute to country case studies

  • Examine historical and contemporary mechanisms linking taxation and inequality

  • Explore implications for inclusive development

  • Combine quantitative analysis with qualitative methods, including archival research and analytical narrative construction

Assigned Duties

  • Devote primarily to doctoral studies with the goal of obtaining a PhD

  • Participate in research projects and postgraduate courses

  • Limited educational and administrative tasks (≤20% of full-time)

Eligibility & Requirements

General Admission Requirements:

  • Second-cycle degree (Master’s) or equivalent knowledge

  • Meet general requirements for third-cycle studies (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39)

Specific Requirements:

  • Proficient English (written and oral)

  • Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research skills

  • Familiarity with historical and comparative research methods

Assessment Criteria:

  • Academic performance in first and second cycles

  • Quality and content of previous work (e.g., Master’s thesis)

  • Ability to perform independent scientific work

  • Interest in historical and comparative research

  • Experience with archival research, socio-economic datasets, or document analysis

  • Relevant educational background: economic history, economics, development studies, political science, history, or related fields

Employment Terms

  • Full-time, fixed-term, maximum 4 years

  • Only admitted third-cycle students may be appointed

  • Regulations according to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, Sections 1–7 and 34–41

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted online via Lund University Job Portal: Work at Lund University

Required Documents (in English):

  • Personal letter (max 3 pages) describing yourself, research interests, and relevance to the project

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Grade transcripts

  • Master’s thesis or equivalent project

  • Documented language skills, if relevant

  • Optional: Names of up to two referees (no letters included)

Contact: Not provided explicitly; application through portal

Note: Sales or marketing contacts will not be considered

Location: Lund, Skåne län, Sweden
Type: Temporary, Full-time
Salary: Monthly, according to university regulations
Positions Available: 1

Apply