Postdoctor, sustainability reporting and business transformation

Together with Alfa Laval and Sparbanken Skåne Centre for Sustainable Enterprising (SSCEN), the Department of Business Administration, Lund University School of Economics and Management, announces a two-year postdoc position for studies of sustainability reporting and business transformation.

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, two years
Extent: 100%
Location: Department of Business Administration, Lund
First day of employment: by agreement

Tasks

The candidate will work and contribute within the research area PolicyImp, coordinated by SSCEN, Department of Business Administration, Lund University. The postdoc project aims to contribute to developing theoretical and empirical knowledge about how companies adopt new sustainability regulations (e.g., EU Taxonomy, CSRD, TCFD, TNFD) and how this affects sustainability reporting, decision-making, resource allocation, and financial flows.

Empirically, the project focuses on studying existing sustainability policies, initiatives, tools, and practices, focusing on sustainability reporting and how reporting practices support sustainable business transformation. The project will also involve developing and testing novel tools and practices to strengthen and accelerate sustainability performance and adapt to corporate needs and stakeholder and regulatory demands on sustainability reporting. The research project is connected to ongoing research at SSCEN, and the postdoc will be embedded in international networks of researchers that study different aspects related to the ongoing sustainability transformation of companies, the financial system, and the policy landscape.

We seek a candidate interested in developing this line of research with a deep interest and specialization in sustainability reporting and business transformation. The position is open to candidates who prefer qualitative as well as quantitative and mixed-methods research.

The postdoctoral position first and foremost provides opportunities to further develop your research skills, expand your expertise, and gain additional experience in your field of study. It also allows for educational merit through teaching, up to 20% of working hours, and higher education pedagogical training.

The postdoctoral position is a non-tenured full-time position with research obligation, based in Lund, Sweden. To fulfill the research requirements of the position, you are expected to be physically present on a regular basis and actively participate in the research activities of the department. The position is financed by Alfa Laval AB and allows for the possibility of spending part of the working time at Alfa Laval in Lund.

Eligibility

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a doctoral degree, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree, in the subject area of the position. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the employment decision. Priority will be given to those who have completed their degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, service in the armed forces, or other similar circumstances.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position:

• A doctoral degree, or a foreign qualification deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in business administration or a related field relevant to the subject area of the position, obtained no more than three years before the application deadline.
• Professional proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• High level of scientific expertise.
• Demonstrated competence and interest in the research area of sustainability reporting and business transformation.

Merits for the position:

• Documented experience of publishing (in academic journals) research related to the ongoing sustainability transformation.

Assessment criteria 

When appointing a postdoc, the following shall form the basis for assessment:

• Good ability to develop and conduct research of good quality.
• Teaching ability.

The assessment will focus on your scientific merit and ability in the field. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject area, considering both theoretical and empirical knowledge as well as methodological competencies. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence as well as how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within SSCEN.

About the position

The employment is limited to two years in accordance with the collective agreement on fixed-term postdoc employment (Arbetsgivarverket). An employment as a postdoc is intended as an initial step in the career and an opportunity to further deepen and broaden research expertise.

Application procedure

Apply via the University’s recruitment system. The application is to be written in English and contain the following:

• A personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications.
• CV detailing the candidate’s education, teaching experience, and list of publications (with an * marking the academic productions to be considered during the review)
• Research plan presenting the proposed topic to be investigated within the postdoc project including theoretical framing and methodology (max. 2,000 words, see template)
• PhD degree certificate, diplomas, etc.
• Copies of up to five selected publications or working papers
• Contact information of a least two references

All submitted documents must be attested as to their authenticity.

About us

SSCEN is an active and strong research environment, funded by Sparbanksstiftelsen Finn, focused on the transformation of companies, the financial system, industries, and technology. The centre includes senior researchers from Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) and Lund University Faculty of Engineering (LTH), as well as national and international high-profile partners and researchers. SSCEN conducts research in areas such as sustainability reporting, sustainable supply chains, sustainable finance, business transformation, sustainable mobility, energy transformation, and sustainable food systems.

As a teacher and researcher at the Department of Business Administration, you are involved in creating a leading academic environment for research and education on the management and operation of organizations. The department has been under continuous development for more than fifty years and, today is one of Sweden’s largest. Our researchers, teachers, and students develop knowledge in business finance, entrepreneurship, financial and management accounting, management, marketing, organizational behavior, research policy, and strategic management on a daily basis.

The workplace is in our offices at Holger Crafoord Ekonomicentrum in Lund. There are good connections by train from Malmö, Helsingborg, and Copenhagen, and by bus from Malmö and Lund Central station. You can walk from Lund Central station in 25 minutes.

Lund University is a government agency, which means that you receive special benefits, generous vacation, and a favorable occupational pension. Wellness reimbursement and a paid wellness hour are a given.

Read more on the University’s website about being employed at Lund University: Work at Lund University

Last day for applying: 15th May 2024

Contact

Susanne Arvidsson, Associate professor and Director of SSCEN, susanne.arvidsson@fek.lu.se