Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Postdoctoral Position in Social Studies of Pandemic Preparedness – Södertörn University

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Postdoctoral Position in Social Studies of Pandemic Preparedness – Södertörn University

• Institution: Södertörn University

• Department: Department of Media Technology

• Position: Postdoctoral Position in Social Studies of Pandemic Preparedness

• Reference Number: AP-2026/553

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term

• Duration: 24 months, with possible extension up to 36 months

• Location: Huddinge / Stockholm, Sweden

• Salary / Remuneration: Individually determined according to Södertörn University’s salary criteria; exact amount not specified

• Start Date: By agreement

• Application Deadline: November 9, 2026 Reachmee

Overview of the Opportunity

Södertörn University invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on the Social Studies of Pandemic Preparedness.

The position is connected to two Swedish Research Council-funded projects examining the development of pandemic-preparedness infrastructures following COVID-19. The research considers how emerging systems for surveillance and preparedness influence what societies know about pathogens, disease threats, and future pandemics. Reachmee

The appointment is based at the Department of Media Technology at Södertörn University and involves collaboration with researchers at Chalmers University of Technology. Reachmee

Research Projects

The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to two projects:

• Pandemic Infrastructures: Preparing for the Wrong Pandemic?

• Blind Spots in Pandemic Preparedness: “Pathogen X” and the Development of Epidemic Surveillance after Covid

Both projects are funded by the Swedish Research Council. Reachmee

Research Focus

The research examines emerging pandemic infrastructures such as:

• Wastewater epidemiology

• Antibiotic-resistance monitoring

• Metagenomic methods for detecting unknown pathogens

• Epidemic surveillance systems

• Sociotechnical infrastructures for pandemic preparedness

• Knowledge production around pathogens and pandemics

• Values and norms embedded in preparedness technologies

A central question is whether contemporary systems risk preparing societies for future crises primarily through assumptions derived from previous pandemics. Reachmee

Research Environment

The position focuses on pandemic knowledge work and sits within Media Technology, an interdisciplinary field concerned with relationships among:

• Technology

• Humans

• Society

• Science and Technology Studies

• Medical technologies

• Epidemiology

• Public health

The research is led by Professor Francis Lee at Södertörn University in collaboration with Associate Professor Lisa Lindén at Chalmers University of Technology. Reachmee

Appointment Duration

The position is:

• Full-Time

• Initially 24 months

• May be extended to a maximum of 36 months

• Start date by mutual agreement Reachmee

Salary

Södertörn University applies individual salary setting according to the University’s salary criteria and relevant Swedish collective salary principles.

Exact salary is not specified in the vacancy. Reachmee

Application Checklist

The electronic application form requests materials including:

1. Motivation Letter and Research Statement

2. Curriculum Vitae / Scholarly Qualifications

3. Doctoral Thesis

4. List of Publications

5. Other Qualifications, where applicable Reachmee

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: November 9, 2026

• Start Date: By agreement

• Initial Appointment: 2 years

• Possible Maximum Duration: 3 years Reachmee

Applications submitted after the deadline or applications that are incomplete may be rejected. Reachmee

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through Södertörn University’s electronic recruitment system.

Application Link:
https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I007/532/apply?job_id=10048&site=2&validator=db55b3bb220694127f9ed38614bcc83c&lang=SE

Reference Number: AP-2026/553

Project Lead: Professor Francis Lee
Email: francis.lee@sh.se

Collaborating Researcher: Associate Professor Lisa Lindén
Email: lisa.linden@chalmers.se

Subject Coordinator: Professor Martin Jonsson
Email: martin.jonsson@sh.se

HR Contact: Marie Granroth
Email: marie.granroth@sh.se Reachmee

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