Doctoral student in Technology and society – with a focus on solutions and policy for sustainable materials use - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Technology and Society

The doctoral subject Technology and Society encompasses multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies of technology’s role, interplay and importance in different sectors of society. The subject takes a broad approach to this relation and the interplay and its governance is studied in different research fields including: transport systems, road and railroad construction, environmental and energy systems, and land use and housing markets. The research entails both qualitative and quantitative studies, and is often characterised by diverse methods and theories from engineering, the social, legal, and natural sciences.

Background

A rapid development and reorientation in industry and business is needed in the coming 5-10 years in order to meet climate, biodiversity, and other sustainability targets. It entails changes in consumption and production, increased resource efficiency and circularity, new sectoral couplings, value chains and business models. The newly established research center SSCEN (Sparbanken Skånes Center for Sustainable Enterprise) will develop knowledge to address these challenges. You will be part of a research environment with PhD students, postdocs and senior researchers from the School of Economics and the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. You are expected to actively contribute to this interdisciplinary research both individually and in collaboration with others.

Project description

More sustainable production and consumption is needed to meet climate policy and other societal objectives. This entails changes in whole value chains, ranging from primary extraction and production of materials to waste management and recycling. Sustainability can increase through measures that affect demand and consumption, material and energy efficiency, and recycling, as well as through reducing production emissions through electrification, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. This in turn leads to new sectoral couplings and interorganizational collaboration (e.g., to increase plastics recycling or electrify industry). The research ranges from case studies of selected value chains, sectors, or types of solutions to policy analysis at the Swedish and European levels. Plastics is a possible and topical empirical area. The project is interdisciplinary and we welcome applicants from different academic backgrounds, e.g., engineering, social, economic and other sciences.

Work duties

The main task is to complete a PhD program through engaging in research and take PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departemental duties limited to no more than 20% of the time. 

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant 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 equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Technology and Society if the applicant has: 

• at least 30 credits awarded in the second cycle relevant to the subject area.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Good knowledge of sustainable development
• Good knowledge of business/industry and innovation
• Good knowledge of governance and policy

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. 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

Additional merits that will be considered:

• Experience from working in research projects, especially interdisciplinary
• Knowledge of research methodologies
• Work experience from industry or university with relevance to the position 

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 research plan or suggestions for research ideas (maximum 3 pages) corresponding to the project description above. The application should also contain a CV, degree certificates or equivalent, and other documentation that you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, publications, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc). 

You are also asked to answer the selection questions.