The Swedish School of Library and Information Science at the University of Borås is the largest research and educational institution in Sweden in the field of library and information science. It offers education at all levels: Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral.

Library and information science (Information Studies) includes studies of the production, organisation, storage, transmission and use of information in its material forms (documents) as well as the institutions, such as libraries, where this takes place. The subject also includes cultural, societal, and technical prerequisites for these activities, processes, and institutions, which depending on the purpose and content can be called information provision or cultural mediation. Library and information science is connected to other disciplines in the social sciences, humanities, and technology. We are now seeking two doctoral students in Library and Information Science. Please submit your application at the latest by 15 August. 

Our research environment

Research at the department is mainly organised through a number of research groups, see: https://www.hb.se/en/research/research-portal/research-areas/library-and-information-science/

The department also hosts the Centre for Cultural Policy Research (KPC), the Centre for Inclusive Studies (INCLUDE), the Data as Impact Lab, as well as HUMINFRA. The Swedish School of Library and Information Science has about 700 students and about 15 doctoral students, as well as 70 employees, including ten professors and associate professors.

It is a dynamic and international work environment with well-developed collaboration with Swedish, Nordic, and European universities. The department is a member of the global organisation iSchools, and active in the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T). In collaboration with Sida, educational and development work is carried out in several countries. The Swedish School of Library and Information Science coordinates the research school ReSource: Transforming Reading and Source Criticism in Digital Cultures, supported by the Swedish Research Council.

The Swedish School of Library and Information Science is part of the Faculty of Librarianship, Information, Education and IT at the University of Borås, which in addition to Library and Information Science also conducts research and education in informatics and education.

Job description

Doctoral studentship employment involves the student's own doctoral education and covers full-time for four years in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5. It is possible to arrange the position so that it also accommodates teaching and associated administrative duties up to an extent of a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Information about doctoral education in Library and Information Science can be found at: https://www.hb.se/en/research/doctoral-education/our-phd-programmes/library-and-information-science/

Please visit the University of Borås's website for doctoral students: Doctoral student handbook - From application to doctoral degree.

Qualifications

The position requires that the applicant meets the requirements for and is admitted to the doctoral programme in Library and Information Science at the University of Borås. In order to be admitted to the educational programme, it is required that the applicant fulfils criteria for basic and specific entry requirements in accordance with what is stated in the Higher Education Ordinance Ch. 7. See the general syllabus here.

Basis of assessment

Selection among applicants must, according to the Higher Education Ordinance Ch. 7, take place with regard to their ability to assimilate the education. In addition, access to competencies among those at the Faculty who can supervise the doctoral student are taken into account. The ability to assimilate the education is assessed based on previous study results and other merits, the quality and relevance of the proposed thesis project, the possibility of completing the project in the time available, the applicant's independence and ability to express themselves effectively and clearly in written form.

The position is based at the University of Borås and active participation in the university's research environment is expected. The University of Borås seeks to have an even gender and age balance and promotes ethnic and cultural diversity.

About the employment

Type of employment: Doctoral studentship employment is conducted in accordance with the regulations outlined in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment rate: 100%

Start date: 1 January 2025 or as agreed upon

Position location: Borås, Sweden

Registration number: PA2024/98

Contact 

For further information about the position, please contact Acting Head of Department Karen Nowé Hedvall via telephone +46 (0)33-435 44 83. Information about doctoral education is provided by the director of studies Ola Pilerot. The trade union representative is Matilda Johansson, Saco-S. Trade union representatives can be reached via the university switchboard, +46 (0)33-435 40 00.

Application

You can apply for the position via our website by clicking on “Apply.” For more information on how to apply, please visit the Information for applicants webpage.

Write clearly in your application which position you are applying for and include the applicable reference number. A complete application should include the following electronic documents: 

1. A personal letter with a short explanation for your application, specifying the position for which you are applying.
2. CV (overview list of education and work experience in chronological order), including any publications, with reference contact information.
3. A thesis outline (approximately 3,000-4,000 words) including a description of the research problem, preliminary research questions, potential theory and methodology and references.
4. Master’s thesis (or Swedish magister) of at least 15 higher education credits.
5. Copies of relevant degree certificates substantiating how you meet the requirements for the position.
6. Copy of passport/ID document.
7. Proof of completion of English 6 or equivalent.

For information on how to meet the requirement for English, please visit the webpage English language requirements.

For applicants with a foreign degree

If an applicant’s degree is from a higher education institution outside Sweden, or which has not been verified by a Swedish authority before, it is important that to attach the diploma and grades in order to facilitate assessment.

After the application deadline, no additions can be made electronically.

Please submit your application by midnight 15 August 2024 (CET, Central European Time).