Collaborative culture and work-life balance in Stockholm
Access to cutting-edge research resources, a collaborative culture, openness and a good work-life balance. These are some characteristics of Stockholm University, according to two of our researchers from Vietnam and China.
Hai Thiem Bui is a Vietnamese citizen with a PhD degree in political science from the University of Queensland, Australia. He has also worked at several academic institutions in Vietnam and held visiting positions as a researcher/lecturer at several American and European universities.
Since October 2024 Hai Thiem Bui has been a guest researcher at the Department of Political Science, Stockholm University. His research covers areas like constitutional politics, rule of law, fundamental rights, civil society and governance in an authoritarian context, with a focus on Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations. Hai Thiem Bui’s work involves analyzing how institutions evolve under authoritarian governance and their role in state-society relations, particularly in Vietnam. His research also includes updates on political economy on a country-level to understand the dynamics between economic policies and societal outcomes.
Why did you choose Stockholm and Stockholm University?
“The interdisciplinary approach at the Stockholm Center for Global Asia offers the perfect environment to carry out my research. I am especially drawn to the centre’s focus on the political and social transformations in Asia, which aligns closely with my research interests. The Department of Political Science and the centre, with their expertise in Asian political studies, authoritarianism, and governance, are invaluable mentors for my research. The opportunity to engage with leading scholars in this field and to draw on the rich resources of Stockholm University will undoubtedly enhance the depth and breadth of my research. ”
What is your impression of Stockholm University?
“Stockholm University represents a dynamic hub of critical knowledge, great collegiality, and academic freedom with cutting-edge research. This is a friendly and safe environment for doing research and education.”
How is it to live in Stockholm as a researcher?
“Stockholm is home to world-class universities and research institutes which provide excellent facilities and access to cutting-edge research resources. It also offers a collaborative culture that emphasizes collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and openness. Researchers are encouraged to network and work across different academic fields.”
What is your advice to a young researcher thinking about applying for Stockholm University?
“A position at Stockholm University, as a student or a researcher/lecturer, is an exciting and rewarding opportunity indeed. At the university you have everything you expect to engage academically, make the most of the resources, and balance work and life.”
How long do you plan to stay in Stockholm?
“I intend to stay in Stockholm for three years or more, depending on the opportunities available for longer positions.”
Leading research on ancient DNA
Chenyu Jin is a PhD student at Stockholm University at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, CPG. The centre’s objective is to bring researchers from different disciplines, such as biology (zoology), archaeology and geology, together into a research environment dedicated to ancient DNA analyses. The centre is one of the world’s leading institutes in ancient DNA research, gaining international recognition for its groundbreaking studies. Its scientific publications span diverse genomic focuses, including wildlife such as mammoths as well as human and sedimentary DNA.
Chenyu Jin comes from China and has a master degree from Imperial College London in ecology, evolution and conservation. At CPG she is reconstructing the ecosystem of the past based on DNA content in ancient environmental samples. Early 2025, she has been at Stockholm University for more than two years.
Why did you choose Stockholm and Stockholm University?
“I was mainly focused on the research project. But it has been a happy surprise since I came here that so much effort is put in on so many different organizational levels to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment.”
What is your impression of Stockholm University?
“The university is good at media outreach and developing teaching skills. Also, it has a good cooperation with students’ and workers’ unions.”
How is it to live in Stockholm as a PhD?
“I have a good work-life balance and always feel fortunate to work with my colleagues and friends at the centre.”
What is your advice to a young researcher thinking about applying for Stockholm University?
“I would say what matters most is the work culture and style of the lab they apply for. But in general, an infrastructure like Stockholm University that is resourceful in general, supports and connects well with unions.”
How long do you plan to stay in Stockholm?
“I will graduate in two years and after that, if possible, I would like to get a research/administrative position in Stockholm.”
More reading
“I fell in love with Stockholm as a place to live and to do research”
About working at Stockholm University
PhD studies at Stockholm University
Text: Per Larsson
Last updated: January 23, 2025
Source: Communications Office