PhD positions in Architecture

Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

Umeå School of Architecture (UMA) is currently recruiting for four PhD positions in Architecture. As we celebrate the launch of our doctoral programme, we invite candidates from around the globe with an interest in contributing to research in areas such as sustainable design, social inclusion, and climate adaptation. The application deadline is 28 April 2024. 

Available Positions:

1. PhD in Architecture with focus on Climate Adaption and the Water-Energy-Food Nexus
2. PhD in Architecture with focus on Critical Studies in Architecture and Urbanism
3. PhD in Architecture with focus on Biobased Building Materials
4. PhD in Architecture (open focus)

At UMA, you will be part of a vibrant community where creativity, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration are at the core of our philosophy. These positions offer a unique blend of academic excellence, hands-on research opportunities, and the chance to contribute to the broader architectural discourse.

The PhD Programme in Architecture aims to educate architectural scholars who are not only deeply knowledgeable in their specific areas of research, but also adept at navigating the complex intersections of architecture, urbanism, landscape, and technology from both a theoretical and practice perspective within diverse cultural, social, and political contexts. Through collaboration with their peers, PhD students can nurture and advance their individual within a supportive environment of collective research.

Qualifications 

To be eligible, you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfill the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in architecture, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of architecture, or in a subject considered to be directly relevant for the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, you should have acquired at least 15 ECTS credits at second-cycle level within the specialization in question, or an equivalent subject. 

Terms of employment 

The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. Engagement in graduate and postgraduate teaching is recommended (up to 20%). Such engagement will extend the employment in proportion to the departmental service. 

The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when it includes part-time teaching. The salary level is determined according to the established salary level for doctoral employment. 

The successful candidate will be based in Umeå and expected to be present in Umeå throughout the duration of the employment to fulfil their role. 

Application  

For full details, including complete project descriptions, eligibility criteria and instructions on how to apply, please visit our job opportunities site.

More about Umeå School of Architecture 

Umeå School of Architecture, Umeå University (UMA) was established in 2009 and is now located in beautiful and expedient premises at Umeå University Arts Campus. The school has been gradually built up as an international laboratory for experimental architecture, in which both education and research are carried out. UMA currently has approximately 300 students in a five-year Architecture Programme and a Masters Programme. Around 30 teachers and researchers are currently working at the school. More information can be found at: www.arch.umu.se.

The Umeå Arts Campus is beautifully situated by the Umeå River; the closest neighbours are the Umeå Institute of Design, the Academy of Fine Arts, Bildmuseet and the science centre Curiosum. The Arts Campus is an international ‘hot spot’ for education and research, where students and researchers meet and collaborate in the creative field.

Umeå University strives to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.