Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The division of Packaging Logistics is a research-intensive and encouraging environment. We strive to understand, explain and improve the world by addressing global and regional challenges in logistics, supply chain management and packaging technology. To meet today's complex societal and corporate challenges, research and education require high international quality. Logistics and Supply Chain Management are fascinating areas where the packaging system has a major impact on sustainable and cost-efficient solutions. Packaging affects logistics and freight transport throughout the supply chain, such as the fill rate (in packaging, load carriers and vehicles), the role of packaging as a communication device and its ability to simplify loading, unloading and material handling, as well as avoidance of damaged products.

Job assignments

The PhD position belongs to the research subject ‘packaging logistics’, where logistics and supply chain management are key areas. The research topic for the PhD student originates from packaging as an effective link to logistics in supply chains, where it contributes to the delivery and distribution of products and components with minimal resources from production to consumption. The research should develop and analyse packaging strategies that lead to effective and sustainable supply chains. The research is linked to a research project in the automotive industry on the cost and environmental impacts of packaging on supply chains.

The PhD student will be part of a research project with other researchers and representatives from the automotive industry. The PhD student will also gain access to a leading network for the Swedish and European automotive industry. Because of the potential of packaging for sustainable supply chains, the issues in this research are prioritized by the Swedish and European automotive industry. This means that the PhD student has a great opportunity to develop new knowledge and affect the automotive industry to become more sustainable and competitive. The PhD position enables the PhD student the opportunity to apply and develop his or her knowledge in logistics and supply chain management.

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.

Additional requirements:

Good understanding of logistics and supply chains.

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 writing 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 packaging, calculation models and sustainability is also of merit.

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.

Type of employment Temporary position
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2018/3982
Contact
  • Henrik Pålsson, Universitetslektor, +46 46 222 76 83
Published 03.Dec.2018
Last application date 02.Jan.2019 11:59 PM CET

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