ETOUR is recruiting two PhD candidates in cultural heritage and tourism

Cultural heritage and tourism face complex challenges, often linked to economic growth. The HERITOUR project – Enhancing collaborative synergies between Cultural HERitage and TOURism – aims to strengthen interdisciplinary expertise and international collaboration to develop sustainable and effective ways to address these challenges and reduce the negative impacts of tourism.

The project is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network, one of the European Union’s most prestigious doctoral training programmes. Led by Erasmus University Rotterdam, HERITOUR brings together leading research environments in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Türkiye and Aruba.

One of Europe's largest tourism research environments

HERITOUR offers an interdisciplinary doctoral training programme focusing on hybridisation, sustainability, resilience, and democratisation. In total, ten PhD candidates will be recruited across six universities, including two positions based at ETOUR at Mid Sweden University in Östersund.

"Here you will find one of Europe’s largest research environments in tourism with a well-established doctoral programme. As a PhD candidate at ETOUR, you become part of a growing research community with several ongoing projects focusing on culture and cultural heritage," says Robert Pettersson, director of ETOUR.

Combining research, practice and global exchange

The selected PhD candidates will take part in a programme that combines research, practical training and international knowledge exchange. This gives the candidates an opportunity to build strong global networks and collaborate across geographical, institutional and disciplinary boundaries. 

"It offers a unique platform for contributing to the future development of cultural heritage and tourism," says Maria Lexhagen, Professor of Tourism Studies, who will supervise the candidates during their four-year doctoral journey.

"These positions are highly attractive for anyone wishing to pursue a PhD in tourism within a strong international network. You will develop both academic and professional skills in culture, cultural heritage and tourism. The programme also includes secondments at exciting organisations, along with generous relocation and travel allowances," adds Maria Lexhagen.

Apply before May 4

Applications for the PhD positions in Östersund are now open. It is important to note that applicants must not have resided or carried our their main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the starting date of this employment. The application deadline is 4 May 2026.

We look forward to your application!

Read more and apply today

PhD student in Tourism Studies: Managing hybridity in cultural heritage. Read more about the position and apply here.

PhD student in Tourism Studies: Hybrid cultural heritage experiencing. Read more about the position and apply here.