Postdoctoral researcher in criminology
Ref no: ORU 2.1.1-03722/2025
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher in criminology for a fixed-term position at the School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences.
Subject area
The subject area of the position is criminology.
Background
The School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences (BSR) offers education at the undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels in criminology, psychology, law, and social work. The school also conducts high-quality research. Criminology at BSR is a multi- and interdisciplinary subject focused on the development and causes of criminal behavior and on crime policy interventions for prevention and deterrence.
We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher in criminology to join the project How Do the Puzzle Pieces Fit Together? Risky Combinations of Early Risk Factors and Developmental Pathways Behind Juvenile Delinquency, funded by FORTE. The overarching aim is to investigate which combinations and developmental pathways of early risk factors are associated with different types of youth delinquency.
The project uses data from the SOFIA study, a longitudinal prospective study that has followed about 2,000 children in a medium-sized Swedish municipality since they were in preschool (ages 3–5 years). To date, six waves of data collection have been completed involving parents, teachers, and the children themselves, with the latest occurring during their lower secondary school years. A seventh wave of data collection took place in spring 2024.
The project aims to contribute knowledge about the development of juvenile delinquency from early childhood, which can inform the development of early preventive interventions.
The position is linked to the criminology research group CAPS – Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research. CAPS conducts research focused on practical applications related to psychosocial adjustment, deviance, and criminal behavior.
Duties
A postdoctoral position aims to give recent PhDs the opportunity to consolidate and develop their scientific skills.
In this role, you will collaborate with the project team to co-author scientific articles using SOFIA study data, focusing on the role of early risk factors in adolescent criminal behavior. You will be expected to initiate and carry out sub-studies within the project in consultation with the team. Key tasks include analyzing longitudinal data and writing/publishing findings in international peer-reviewed journals.
There may also be opportunities to engage in other activities within the CAPS research group, if desired. You will work both independently and as part of a team, in close collaboration with the project leader and other group members.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the postdoc position, applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent foreign degree at the time of appointment. Preference will be given to those who obtained their degree within the last three years at the time of application. Applicants must not have been employed as a postdoc for more than one year in the same subject and at the same university.
The appointment is for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension if required to achieve the aims of the position. The total period of employment may not exceed three years. Parental leave or sick leave during the appointment will result in a corresponding extension.
Assessment criteria
Assessment will take into account the applicant's ability to communicate, collaborate with external stakeholders, and contribute to the societal impact of academic research. Personal suitability is also important. Personal suitability refers to the applicant demonstrating the personal qualities required to carry out the duties associated with the position; the ability to collaborate with other staff, contribute to the development of the organization, work independently and take responsibility, as well as possess analytical skills and the ability to carry out their own analyses.
Special emphasis will be placed on the candidate's potential to contribute to the future development of research and education. A demonstrated commitment and ability to pursue an academic career is also valued.
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in a social science discipline related to the project. Documented experience in working with and analyzing longitudinal data is especially meritorious, as is experience using Mplus and SPSS. Excellent written and spoken English is required, as the team collaborates closely with international researchers.
Information
The position is 100% for two years. Örebro University applies individual salary setting.
For more information about the position, contact project leader Karin Hellfeldt, +46 70 304 53 56, karin.hellfeldt@oru.se or head of unit Brittany Evans, +46 19 30 12 29, brittany.evans@oru.se.
At Örebro University, all employees are expected to be open to change, take responsibility for their work and its quality, show commitment to collaboration and development, and treat others with respect through a constructive and professional attitude.
Örebro University actively promotes equal opportunities and gender equality, and aims to create a work environment characterized by openness, trust, and respect. We value the contribution that diversity brings to our organization.
Application
Apply through our website by clicking the "Apply" button.
A complete application must include the following electronic documents:
- A cover letter explaining how you can contribute to the university's continued development
- A CV with a relevant summary of your qualifications
- A description of your scientific qualifications
- Copies of relevant degrees/certificates demonstrating eligibility and requirements
- Relevant scientific publications (up to 10 and in full-text format)
Only documents in Swedish, English, Norwegian, or Danish will be reviewed.
For more information, visit our job page: https://www.oru.se/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-jobb/information-for-dig-som-sokande-och-sakkunnig/.
Application deadline is August 11, 2025. We look forward to your application!
We have already selected our partners for this recruitment process and do not wish to be contacted by recruitment agencies or advertising vendors.
According to the Swedish National Archives' regulations, we must archive one set of application documents (excluding publications) for two years after the hiring decision becomes legally binding.
