Doctoral Student in Packaging Logistics: Logistics and Supply Chain Management - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Packaging logistics is a research-intensive environment devoted to the advancement of knowledge. It aims to motivate and co-create holistic solutions that deal with global and regional challenges within the packaging, logistics and supply chain domains – including sustainable development. The challenges facing society are complex and the research and education required to meet these challenges needs to be largely cross-boundary and international.

Job assignments
The doctoral candidate’s research will focus on the subject of Logistics and Supply Chain Management from a problem-based and multidisciplinary research point of view. The proposed research topic concerns the ongoing logistic transformation in retail supply chains; more specifically, omni-channel development and the challenges facing the last leg of the movement of goods to their final destination – “the last mile distribution”. To achieve effective and sustainable distribution solutions for urban and rural areas, logistical challenges need to be examined from both cost and environmental perspectives. The doctoral candidate will be engaged in solving these practical challenges and problems while producing an academically appreciated theoretical contribution.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a fascinating field where digitization is a key enabler of many new and necessary innovative solutions. The research topics have strong links to consumer behaviour, business process integration, and sustainable development. This presupposes that the doctoral candidate has a good understanding of logistics systems and supply chains. Against this background, the research will contribute to knowledge development in the evaluation of new, innovative distribution solutions based on a flow orientation and dissemination of knowledge to the industry and societal stakeholders involved, as well as citizens.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements:

Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Basis of assessment
Selection to doctoral (third-cycle) studies will take place after an assessment of the candidates’ ability to benefit from the programme. Assessment of ability will primarily be based on the results of the Bachelor’s and Master’s (first- and second-cycle) studies. In this regard, the following will be particularly taken into consideration:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to doctoral thesis work and the educational subject area. This can be shown by the attached documentation and possibly, an interview.
2. Assessed ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific problems. The assessment can be based, for example, on the applicant’s Master’s thesis and a discussion about it in a possible interview.
3. Ability to express him or herself orally and in written communication.
4. Experience of cooperating well in a research team or project group in industry.
5. Other experiences relevant to postgraduate studies, such as work experience in the field.

Other assessment criteria:

In addition, it is desirable that the applicant can demonstrate knowledge of logistics, supply chain management and freight transportation. Knowledge in sustainability and information technology is also of merit. We prefer candidates with both an industrial background and who have recently graduated.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. 

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions as a first step of the application process.