Post-doctoral fellow in the areas of Circular Value & Supply Chains, Regional Development, and Multi-Level Policy Dynamics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Agenda 2030

The 2030 Agenda is the framework for sustainable development that the world’s nations have signed to end extreme poverty, reduce inequalities, solve the climate crisis, promote peace and equity and much more. To achieve the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, research has several important roles: to identify challenges and conflicting objectives, contribute to new solutions, generate dialogue and learning between different societal stakeholders and critically analyse the goals. Lund University aspires to be a part of the solution and has therefore initiated a research programme on sustainable development with postdoc fellowships in interdisciplinary projects. The projects will not only constitute platforms for the postdocs’ career development, but also form a basis for national and European applications, and for future environments for excellence and profiling. The programme is also to develop the postdocs’ expertise in teaching and learning in higher education. For more information about the programme, please visit Excellence Programme for Sustainable Development | Sustainability Forum (lu.se)

Project and subject description

The research focus the shift from Global Value Chains to Circular Supply Chains (CSCs) where we investigate tensions inherent in such a shift relating to i) linear versus circular business logics, ii) processes led top-down by dominant firms versus bottom-up local and inclusive processes, and iii) multi-level policy mixes shifting from deregulations and low taxes supporting GVCs to regulation and governance mechanisms that take environmental and social impacts into consideration. 

This is important because transformative initiatives are often designed and studied with limited attention to the multi-level interactions between various actors within local, regional, national, and global systems, as well as the potential local and global repercussions. Furthermore, GVCs and large firms may accelerate the shift from GVCs to CSCs with the pitfalls, however, of solutionism and democratic shortcomings. We draw upon our networks in industry and with policymakers at regional, national and EU levels. Involving key stakeholders, we create strong impact and further strengthen Lund University’s role as knowledge curator.

For this position we are looking for one post-doc who will work in an interdisciplinary team with two other post-docs as well as Associate Professor Markus Grillitsch (Department of Human Geograph, Social Science Faculty), Professor Fredrik Nilsson (Department of Design Sciences, Faculty of Engineering), and Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger (Department of Economic History, School of Economic and Management). This position is placed at the department of design sciences/packaging logistics and supervised by Fredrik Nilsson. You and the other post-docs will bring in complementary disciplinary competences related to global value chains, circular supply chains, global production networks, regional and industrial dynamics, multi-level governance, and policy.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Detailed description of the work duties include:

• Collaborative research within the subject area

                - Co-creation of theoretical and analytical frameworks
                - Co-creation of research methodology
                - Conducting empirical research
                - Drafting and publish research papers in collaboration.

• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Good publication records in the area of supply/value chains

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Proven experience in collaborating with societal actors (firms, policy makers).
• Experience of advanced value/supply chain modeling (e.g. agent-based modeling, digital twins or similar)  

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of three years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests, with an explicit reflection how this contributes to achieve the project’s aims (no more than three pages),
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.
• Contact information to two or more references (will be required for candidates invited for interviews).

Welcome to apply!