Doctoral student in Packaging Logistics with focus on logistics and retail - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Division of Packaging Logistics at the Department of Design Sciences is currently seeking a doctoral student for an exciting interdisciplinary project at the intersection of retail, logistics, and sustainability. This opportunity offers a unique chance to delve into the dynamic world of modern retail logistics.

The department provides a stimulating and international environment with doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and professors from various parts of the world. Research, innovation, and teaching take place in an open and creative climate, fostering collaborations both within academia and with industry partners. A doctoral degree provides an excellent foundation for an exciting career in the business world or academia.

Subject Description

Packaging logistics is a broad subject at the Department of Design Sciences that embraces different theories in order to achieve efficient and sustainable resource utilization in supply chains. Packaging logistics research focuses on the design of services, products, and its packaging systems - from raw material to consumer and recycling - with a holistic approach to meet global and local societal challenges such as sustainable development. The subject is linked to industrial economy, marketing, and innovation, which include research problems with a holistic system perspective. Research in Packaging Logistics is often inspired by new technology and interdisciplinary industrial problems and can encompass anything from mathematics to hands-on engineering.

The doctoral student will be affiliated with a project on the marketing-operations interface, that addresses the tension between the market's desire to offer a seamless customer experience and the organization's goal to maximize efficiency in omnichannel retail. In this role, you will have the opportunity to explore the effects of new technologies and innovations on retail logistics systems. Your main focus will be to analyse the synergies and compromises between consumer-centricity and operational efficiency from environmental, economic, and social perspectives. The project will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. You will gain practical experience in examining real-life case studies and conducting rigorous empirical data analysis.

Work duties

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%).

The job duties include:

• Research projects, including conferences, seminars, etc.
• Postgraduate courses (90 ECTS credits)
• Participation in teaching and other institutional work (no more than 20%)

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 Packaging Logistics if the applicant has: 

• at least 50 credits in subjects of relevance to the subject area, including at least 25 second-cycle credits, or
• an MSc in Engineering, or one- or two-year Master’s degree of relevance to the field. .

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good language analytical ability.
• Curiosity about research and teaching in general, and motiviation for the particular research project.
• Creativity and good ability for colaburation and networking.
• Persistence and a methodological way of working.

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 achievements from the first and second cycle education. The following factors are considered: 

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.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, independence, and how the applicant's experience and competence are assessed to have the necessary abilities to succeed in doctoral education.

We offer 

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

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 §§.

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.).

Welcome to apply!