Doctoral student in Industrial Design: Future Pathways in Design Education - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Industrial design aspires to the creation of meaningful experiences and interactions with tangible and intangible objects that are significant for the benefit of society and the environment.

Therefore, industrial design as a research subject deals with knowledge generation as a phenomenon, aiming to increase the understanding of industrial design from the perspectives of epistemology and practice.

The research methods and opportunities span a wide field, enabling a fusion of scientific and practice-based approaches to generate knowledge.

This PhD-candidate position in industrial design is offered in the research area of Future Pathways in Design Education, addressing the following contexts and frameworks:

1. Investigating the methods and impacts of pedagogies and practices in design education through history on an international level, as well as their emergence from specific cultures and conditions.
2. Rethinking the responsibilities of design education towards industry, society, and nature with respect to systemic global change and the urgency of a sustainable future.
3. Exploring educational approaches to learning, making, collaboration and reflection, researching processes of knowledge acquisition and communication, as well as the future significance of technology in design education.
4. Reflecting, for example, dichotomies between specialisation and generalisation, learning and unlearning, individualism, and collectivism. Providing a strategic outlook towards the contingencies of an uncertain future.

Work duties 

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

The PhD candidate will be an integral part of a small team of PhD candidates and the teaching staff at the Division of Industrial Design.

This PhD position requires a research approach that combines analytical and empirical study modules with experimental and practice-based modules. 

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 substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Industrial Design if the applicant has: 

• at least 30 credits in subjects of relevance to the field, including at least 15 second-cycle credits, or
• a second-cycle degree project of at least 20 credits of relevance to the field, or
• an artistic university degree, MSc in Engineering, or a master’s degree of relevance to the subject area

Additional requirements

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Submission of an industrial design portfolio.
• A minimum of 5 ECTS in research methodology or an equivalent course in Industrial Design.
• Ability to express abstract and concrete issues in written form.
• Propensity to work in collaborative and transdisciplinary academic environments.
• An analytical and empirical research mindset in combination with artistic modes of exploration.

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 based on 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. Visual, written, and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to third-cycle studies, e.g., professional experience.  

Other assessment criteria

• Professional experience as an industrial design practitioner.
• Experience with design education and approaches to design pedagogy.
• Industrial design project experience in more than one country.
• Ability to manage and finalise complex projects independently and effectively.
• Experience in design research.
• Experience with practice-based projects within a transdisciplinary collaborative academic environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain contacts and networks with research partners in academia, industry, or other organisations.

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 §§.

Before applying, you should update yourself on the syllabus of the third cycle study subject Industrial Design at LTH (Industrial Design). Please note that the specific research study project is conducted on a scientific ground.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and except from the portfolio* 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.).

* Please submit your portfolio in a digital format, e.g., link to website or PDF (max 10 MB), if/when group projects and/or professional work is presented, clearly indicate, and reflect over your own contribution.