Doctoral student in Packaging Logistics, focus on sustainable omni-channels

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 and supply chain management.

The department provides a stimulating and international environment with doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, senior 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 academia or in the business world.

Subject description

Packing logistics is a multidisciplinary research subject, which integrates and develops logistics and packaging. Packaging logistics applies different theoretical fields of knowledge and methodologies to explore, explain and improve effective and sustainable utilisation of resources throughout supply chains. Packaging logistics research contributes to sustainable development by integrating packaging with logistics, innovation and product development in the fields of technology, economy and the environment.

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 teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The doctoral student will be part of a research project on sustainability challenges in omni-channel retailing. This includes challenges between having seamless integration of various sales and distribution channels and still having organisational effectiveness and efficiency. Examples of challenges are sustainable packaging solutions, effective delivery management and reverse logistics practices. You will address these types of challenges in omni-channel retailing. The aim can be to uncover necessary organisational capabilities and develop strategies to manage such challenges. In this role, the doctoral student will have the opportunity to explore the effects of new technologies and innovations on retail logistics systems. You will collaborate with industrial partners to gain rigorous empirical data and disseminate knowledge. The doctoral studies can be based on quantitative or qualitative research. 

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 field, 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

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good analytical ability.
• Creativity and good ability for collaboration.

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.  

Other merits:

• Professional experience relevant to third-cycle studies.

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 with your application!