Postdoctoral positions in innovation studies - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

CIRCLE is a unique environment for interdisciplinary research on topics related to innovation studies covering among others new perspectives in innovation policy, innovation and technology, innovation and societal change, geography of innovation, innovation in the Global South, entrepreneurial experimentation, and sustainability transitions. CIRCLE has grown to over 100 researchers, close to 40 of which are from organizations outside Sweden including many countries in Europe, and among others the US, Brazil, China, India.  CIRCLE provides an ideal setting for hosting early career researchers because of its world-leading position in related topics, its capacity to organize interdisciplinary research teams, and its integration into international networks.

Subject description

The post-docs shall contribute to the research environment at CIRCLE. The overall aim of research at CIRCLE is to understand and explain how innovation can contribute to a good society and tackle societal challenges such as economic crises, climate change or the reorganization of the knowledge economy in a globalized world. This requires advanced insights into

• how knowledge is created and diffused in organizations, networks, regions, countries, and globally,
• how knowledge is turned into innovations,
• which societal conditions promote or hinder the creation and diffusion of innovation, and
• what are the intended and unintended societal consequences of innovation.

Research at CIRCLE has been fundamental to theorize and empirically study the knowledge economy, and in particular the processes, drivers and hinders, as well as governance of innovation. Recently, however, attention has turned to societal consequences of innovation and potential dark sides of innovation. 

Pressures on the knowledge economy have increased related to geopolitical conflicts, social and political tensions due to inequality, shocks like Covid-19 and the energy crunch, paired with the need to decarbonize the economy. This set of pressures is related to a revival of industrial policy with heavy consequences for the knowledge economy. 

The post-docs shall contribute to developing research actions to investigate, on the one hand, the consequences of such macro-changes on the knowledge economy and innovation and, on the other hand, the potential and limitations of innovation, and the governance thereof to address challenges related to the changes in the economic landscape. 

Work duties

The main duties involved in the post-doctoral position is to conduct research and actively search external funding in collaboration with CIRCLE members. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. 

Within the employment the opportunity will be provided for a three week’s pedagogical training. The aim of the employment is to develop independence as a researcher as well as develop merits for career development.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• actively seeking external research funding
• contributing actively to 2-3 research themes at CIRCLE
• contributing to the CIRCLE environment
• collaboration with industry and wider society
• 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 or related to 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. 

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 area.

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. 

Additional assessment criteria:

• Good collaborative skills, drive, and independence

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within CIRCLE, related to the subject area and CIRCLEs research themes (see www.circle.lu.se) and how the applicant stand to contribute to CIRCLE’s 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”.

Through this call, CIRCLE will recruit up 1-3 post-docs.

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, including a discussion how this complements and strengthens the subject area and current research themes at CIRCLE (max 3 pages),
• Contact information of at least two references,
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

Welcome to apply!