Project description
Third-cycle subject: Sustainability studies
We are seeking applicants with an interest in wetland restoration as a nature-based solution for sustainable water supply under changing climate conditions. The will combine methods such as policy analysis, value mapping, socio-economic analysis, and qualitative research methods. The overall aim is to develop policy and valuation frameworks that link wetland indicators to societal benefits and costs, as well as to practical policy instruments and financing mechanisms. The successful applicant will primarily contribute to: (1) developing policy-relevant indicators for the water-related benefits of restored wetlands and exploring how these can be translated into information relevant for valuation, decision-making, and policy development; and (2) analyzing and mapping the values generated by wetland restoration for different stakeholders and society as a whole, including benefits, costs, and risks, as well as how these are distributed among different actors.
The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers and societal stakeholders in two interdisciplinary research projects. The position is based at the Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering (SEED).
Supervision: Zahra Kalantari is proposed to supervise. Decisions are made on admission.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
- passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
- completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
- acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
Professional working proficiency in Swedish is a requirement, as this will be required in day-to-day work
In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.
Selection
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:
- independently pursue his or her work
- collaborate with others,
- have a professional approach,
- analyze and work with complex issues,
- present strong written and oral communication skills, particularly in communicating research findings.
- present knowledge of environmental or sustainability policy, environmental economics, socio-economic analysis, sustainability governance, or a related field;
- present knowledge and experience in cost-benefit analysis, policy analysis, or the analysis of policy instruments,
It is considered an advantage if you have:
- experience with qualitative and/or quantitative social science research methods,
- an interest in nature-based solutions, ecosystem services, water-related issues, or climate adaptation and
- experience of working with stakeholders outside academia
After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.
Target degree: Licentiate degree
Information regarding admission and employment
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.
As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.
Union representatives
Contact information for union representatives.
Doctoral Student’s network (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
Contact information for PhD chapter.
To apply for the position
Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.
Applications must include the following elements:
- Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified.
- CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
- Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
- Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
Other information
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.
Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Join us at KTH
KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.
Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
First day of employment: According to agreement
Salary: Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: PA-2026-3577
Contact: Sofia Lingegård, sofilin@kth.se
Published: 2026-11-05
Last application date: 2026-11-26
