We are seeking an outstanding and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary research environment and develop a project in the broad field of English-medium instruction (EMI). This is a fully funded position with an open thematic orientation, and we welcome ambitious and methodologically rigorous proposals that address important questions of teaching and learning through English at the intersection of applied linguistics, higher education, pedagogy and disciplinary learning.
About us
You will be part of the Division for Language and Communication at the Department of Communication and Learning in Science at Chalmers University of Technology. The department’s research focuses on understanding how learning, communication, and knowledge production unfold in multilingual, technologically mediated, and scientific contexts in higher education. Bringing together perspectives from applied linguistics, higher education research, and educational psychology, we investigate how cognitive, linguistic and social processes interact in teaching, learning, and academic practice, including in digitally and AI-mediated environments where human and technological agency are increasingly intertwined.
The position will be part of the internationalization of higher education research group.
As a postdoctoral researcher you will be expected to take an active role in furthering the department’s vibrant research environment. The environment offers ample opportunities for collaboration and networking, not least through our very strong national and international research networks.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated early-career researcher with the potential to become a leading scholar in the field over time.
The following requirements are mandatory:
- A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in a field relevant to the proposed project, such as applied (educational) linguistics or educational science. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
- Very strong (documented) written and verbal communication skills in English.
Qualifications (your application will be assessed against these criteria)
Particular weight will be given to the following qualifications:
- Research track record: A strong record of high-quality research and publication in English-medium instruction or relevant related areas, with clear evidence of intellectual ambition, originality and scholarly independence. Clear evidence of the capacity to publish in international outlets, contribute to research collaborations, and develop an independent research profile.
- Project quality: The ability to formulate an ambitious, coherent and feasible postdoctoral project that is theoretically well grounded, methodologically rigorous and capable of making a significant contribution to EMI research.
- Methodological breadth: Strong competence in research methods relevant to the proposed project. Experience across more than one methodological tradition, or clear evidence of methodological versatility and the ability to select and combine methods appropriately, will be considered an important asset.
- Research engagement with EMI: Demonstrated experience of conducting research in which English-medium instruction is central to the research problem, analysis and contribution, rather than simply providing the context for research primarily concerned with another phenomenon.
- Collaborative qualities: The ability to work independently at a high level while contributing actively, collegially and intellectually to an interdisciplinary research environment.
- Personal qualities: Initiative, analytical precision, reliability, strong organizational skills and the ability to bring research projects to completion.
What you will do
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, your primary responsibility will be to develop and carry out the proposed research project. You will be expected to work with a high degree of independence while also collaborating closely with members of the research environment and contributing actively to its intellectual life.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Planning, conducting and managing the proposed research project.
- Collecting, analyzing and interpreting data using methods appropriate to the project.
- Producing high-quality research outputs, including single- and co-authored articles for leading peer-reviewed journals.
- Presenting research at international conferences, seminars and other academic forums.
- Contributing communication and dissemination activities beyond academia.
- Participating actively in research meetings, seminars and collaborative activities within the research environment.
- Contributing, where appropriate, to the development of new research initiatives, networks and funding applications.
- Depending on the candidate's interests, there may be opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervision, normally corresponding to no more than 20% of the position.
Project proposal
A key component of the application is a concise and compelling project proposal of no more than 500 words (exclusive of any references). The proposal should set out a clearly defined, original and feasible study that makes a substantive contribution to research on EMI. Proposals may address any topic within the broad and interdisciplinary field of EMI, including instruction and learning, multilingual practices and translanguaging, language policy, assessment, teacher preparation and support, and academic or disciplinary literacy. However, the project must engage directly and substantially with EMI as a research phenomenon; proposals that are only incidentally situated in an English-taught context will not be considered competitive.
Contract terms
The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.
What we offer
- As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
- A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
- Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.
Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.
If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.
Application procedure
The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV
- A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
- Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.
Personal letter
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
- An outline of your future goals and research focus.
A project proposal
The proposal (max 500 words) should include:
- the research problem and its significance for the field of EMI;
- the project’s aim and principal research question or questions;
- the theoretical/conceptual basis of the study;
- the proposed research design, data and methods;
- the project’s originality and anticipated contribution;
- a brief indication of feasibility within the period of employment (two years); and
- where relevant, how the project would connect with or contribute to the existing research environment.
Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.
Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.
We welcome your application no later than: 30 September, 2026
For questions, please contact:
Name: Hans Malmström
Title: Professor/Research group leader
Email: [email protected]
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.
