Employment as a doctoral student
As a doctoral student, you are both an employee and a student. This means you benefit from the stability of employment while enjoying the academic freedom of research and study.
What to expect from doctoral studies
Learn about the different types of doctoral positions, how programmes are structured, and what is expected of you.
How to apply
All available positions are listed on our vacancies page under 'Doctoral students.' Each position includes an advertisement with detailed instructions. We cannot accept applications by email or other channels.
You apply through the University’s recruitment system, Varbi. Departments review all applications and select candidates. If you are accepted for a regular doctoral position, you will be employed by the University and formally admitted to doctoral studies with salary and benefits.
[Vacancies]
[How to apply – application guide]
Being both student and employee
As a doctoral student, you are supervised academically and employed by the University. This means you benefit from both research support and employment conditions such as salary and workplace resources.
You will have two main sources of support:
- Line manager – responsible for your employment contract, salary, workplace, and work environment
- Supervisor(s) – responsible for your academic progress, including your courses, thesis work, and supervision
Your Individual Study Plan (ISP) is an essential tool that helps you plan and track your doctoral education. It includes:
- your research goals
- courses and learning activities
- key milestones and deadlines
- your supervision plan
- teaching or other departmental duties (if any)
- a timeline for your study period
The plan is reviewed regularly, usually once a year, and updated as needed.
During your doctoral studies, you will:
- reach academic and project milestones
- progress through salary steps as you complete more credits
- take part in regular reviews to assess your progress and make any necessary changes to your plan
These reviews help ensure you stay on track and continue to grow professionally.
Employment conditions
As a doctoral student,, your working conditions, salary, leave, and benefits are governed by national and local agreements.
[Read more about terms of employment for doctoral students – Staff web]
A full-time doctoral position typically lasts four years (240 credits). Your contract may be extended for eligible activities such as:
- teaching or departmental duties
- parental leave
- sick leave
- student union or committee involvement
Extensions are reviewed case by case and follow applicable regulations.
Your working time is calculated on an annual basis, which means you do not have fixed weekly hours. This allows flexibility in how you structure your work.
Up to 20% of your role may include teaching, supervision, or administrative duties. These provide valuable experience and are tailored to your interests when possible.
Your salary is set by the faculty and increases in steps as you complete parts of your studies (usually at 60, 120 and 180 credits).
As a doctoral student, you will have access to:
- research seminars and doctoral-level courses
- interdisciplinary and subject-specific networks
- training in research ethics and integrity
- research infrastructure such as labs and digital tools
- University libraries, databases and expert support in publishing and open science.
Employee benefits
As a doctoral student employed by Lund University, you have access to the same benefits as other public-sector employees in Sweden. These include:
- Paid vacation: You are entitled to paid holiday each year, based on your contract length.
- Healthcare and occupational health services: You have access to public healthcare and occupational health support through the University.
- Wellness allowance and activities: A yearly wellness allowance can be used for health-promoting activities.
- Parental leave: Sweden offers generous parental leave provisions, and your employment contract can be extended accordingly.
- Insurance and pensions: You are covered by staff insurance and pension contributions through your employment.
[Eventuell länk för att läsa mer om employee benefits]
After your doctoral degree
A doctoral degree from Lund University prepares you for a wide range of career paths, both within and beyond academia. You will graduate with strong research skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities that are highly valued across sectors.
Many doctoral graduates go on to roles such as:
- postdoctoral researcher
- associate senior lecturer (assistant professor) – often a first step on the tenure track
- senior lecturer or professor – with promotion and academic qualifications.
Learn more about the academic career options at Lund University:
[Academic careers]
Doctoral graduates are also in demand in areas such as:
- research and development (R&D)
- data science and analytics
- policy and government advisory roles
- consulting and strategy
- public sector and cultural institutions
The University offers career support and networking opportunities to help you explore your options.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit our vacancies page to see current opportunities:
You can also set up job alerts in Varbi to receive new postings daily or weekly.
Contact
For questions about the recruitment process or a specific position, please contact the person or people listed in the vacancy announcement.