Doctoral student in Sustainability Evaluation - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) is an international and interdisciplinary centre of excellence at Lund University. We advance knowledge on how to catalyse the transition to low-carbon and resource efficient economies across different levels of governance and management. We conduct research across the themes of international and national policy intervention, urban governance and experimentation, business management and practice, and consumption governance.

Subject description

The IIIEE is looking to recruit a doctoral candidate to research methods for sustainability evaluation of sharing economy initiatives in diverse urban contexts. The candidate will be part of the research programme “Urban Sharing: Sustainability and Institutionalisation Pathways”. The program aims is to deepen and advance knowledge about the design, the institutionalisation and sustainability implications of urban sharing organisations. The announced position focuses on sustainability assessments. 

Work duties

The doctoral candidate will conduct research on evaluating  environmental, economic and social aspects of sharing economy in urban contexts; develop and test evaluation methodologies and indicators on the production and consumption sides of the sharing economy.

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 will 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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements in Sustainability Evaluation of Sharing Economy if he or she has:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a multi-disciplinary field of studies relevant to the research subject area, preferably industrial ecology or other similar multidisciplinary studies which combine engineering, sociology, economics and the natural sciences.
• Has completed courses focusing on quantitative research methods, statistics, sustainability studies or environmental management and policy.

 Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

       1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study

       2.An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems

       3. Written and oral communication skills

       4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience

Other assessment criteria:

• Educational or professional background in sustainability evaluations with good command of quantitative methods
• Experience from various data sources ranging from national statistics and databases to empirical data collection through interviews, focus groups, expert panels and case studies
• Experience with developing, integrating and applying different methods to evaluate the environmental, economic and social impacts of sharing initiatives 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

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.).