Employment as a doctoral student
Source: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-us/careers-lund-university/employment-doctoral-student Parent: https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/study/admission-degree-studies/applying-studies-when-apply
As a doctoral student, you are both an employee and a student. This means that you benefit from the stability of employment while enjoying the academic freedom of research and study.
What to expect from doctoral studies
Find out about the different types of doctoral positions, how programmes are structured and what will be expected of you.
How to apply
All available positions are listed on our vacancies page under 'Doctoral students'. Each position has an advertisement with detailed instructions. We cannot accept applications by email or via any other channel.
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.
Applying for a job at Lund University
Being a student and an employee
As a doctoral student, you are both academically supervised and employed by the University. This means that you benefit from research support as well as employment conditions such as salary and workplace resources.
Support during your studies
You will have two main sources of support:
- A line manager, who will be responsible for your employment contract, salary, workplace and work environment
- A supervisor or supervisors, who will be responsible for your academic progress, including your courses, thesis work and supervision.
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Your Individual Study Plan
Your Individual Study Plan (ISP) is an essential tool for planning and tracking your doctoral studies. 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.
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Progression and reviews
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 will help you to stay on track and continue to grow professionally.
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Employment conditions
As a doctoral student, your terms of employment are governed by national and local agreements. These include your working conditions, salary, leave and benefits.
Terms of employment for doctoral students – staff.lu.se
Contract length and possible extensions
A full-time doctoral position typically lasts four years (240 credits). Your contract may be extended to cover eligible activities such as:
- teaching or departmental duties
- parental leave
- sick leave
- student union or committee involvement.
Each extension request is considered on a case-by-case basis in line with the relevant regulations.
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Working hours and flexibility
As your working time is calculated on an annual basis, you do not have fixed weekly hours. This gives you flexibility when planning your work.
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Teaching and departmental involvement
Up to 20% of your role may involve teaching, supervision or administrative duties. These duties give you valuable experience, and where possible they are tailored to your interests.
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Salary and salary steps
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.
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Research environment and academic support
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.
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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 the length of your contract.
- Healthcare and occupational health services: You have access to public healthcare and occupational health support through the University.
- Wellness allowance and activities: You can use your yearly wellness allowance for health-promoting activities.
- Parental leave: Sweden offers generous provisions for parental leave, and your employment contract can be extended accordingly.
- Insurance and pensions: You are covered by staff insurance and pension contributions through your employment.
After completing 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.
Academic career options
Many doctoral graduates go on to roles such as:
- postdoctoral researcher
- associate senior lecturer (assistant professor) – often the first step on the tenure track
- senior lecturer or professor – with promotion and academic qualifications.
Find out more about the academic career options at Lund University:
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Careers outside academia
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.
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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.
Create job alerts – subscribe on Varbi
Contact information
For questions about the recruitment process or a specific position, please contact the person or people listed in the vacancy announcement.